Home : Blogs : Kelly Sibilsky : Lake Zurich...and Beyond

Opinions are like belly buttons…

searching for the answers

You know the saying,

"Opinions are like belly buttons...everybody has one."

When it comes to blog posts, have you noticed that more often than not, the comment stream supports the poster? Sometimes, however, an opposing viewpoint is posted in the comment stream...which then, interestingly enough, seems to give others with an opposing viewpoint the courage to post their own opinion. I find this "real" exchange of opinions to be the most interesting posts to read, and tend seek out posts that both support my personal opinion on a subject and those that do not.

Take, for instance, posts that are all about the power of positive thinking. I am a very positive person but also tend to be realistic. Call me an optimistic realist. I don't personally believe that positive thinking alone will pay the bills, but do believe that it is a very important ingredient for overall success. I love to read optimistic, motivating articles. But on the other hand I don't believe you should focus solely on positive thinking as a business plan. Stress, anxiety and doubt are part of life. How you deal with it makes all the difference. Some will ignore the negative aspects of life, which is equivalent to burying your head in the sand. Others will embrace both the negative and positive aspects of life and will learn and grow in the process.

How about you? Do you seek out posts that both support and contradict your own personal opinion? How do you decide just what to read...and comment on?

Posted by Kelly Sibilsky on 12/16/2008 09:57 AM

Comments (89)

Opinions in the ActiveRain Channel

opinions are like belly buttons

Originally posted at: lake zurich...and beyond: Opinions are like belly buttons…

89 Comments on Opinions are like belly buttons…

DEC

Hi Kelly. I generally prefer positive posts but I read all.

I think there is a lot of reason to be positive...

This is the slowest month of the slowest year. Business will pick up next year.

Thanks for writing,

Ken

Ken: Thanks for reading! I prefer realistic posts first and foremost...and those that entertain, enlighten and inform. Have a great day!

This is a very difficult way to exchange ideas---I think! And there is so much to read so I guess people naturally gravitate to what interest them. Commenting on a blog you don't agree with requires you to think about your answer! Obviously, most don't think at all! I personally seek out post that both support and contradict my opinion. I love it when someone disagrees with me but only if the tell me why! Some just make a comment and never respond back to my response to them, which does bother me.

Kelly, I had a very wild older sister who was often in hot water with my parents. I once asked why they put up with all the crap, My mother told me not to be to harsh in my judgment because by comparison I looked like an angel..So I'm positive that I got away with some negatives..and still turned out OK.

Aida: When someone offers up another opinion, it is an opportunity to learn and expand your own way of thinking, which can be a very good thing. It's better than a love fest, any day.

Kelly, I have on occassion kept my opinion to myself because I knew as soon as I voiced it the comment thread would change. I've usually done this if the thread hadn't had a chance to really developed yet.

I have also purposely written articles that I knew would stir the pot. Sometimes I've done it for no other reason than to see how folks really felt about an issue. A heated debate tends to bring out true feelings and opinions.

Hi Kelly..you are right, for the most part everyone ones to play nice..but I have also seen people make negative comments, that were not even in the spirit of the post, and use that as the proverbial "kicking the dog" maybe they had a bad day :)

Hi Kelly, I have to say....being optimistic has driven further in life and business. My glass has always been half full and still pouring. I do say that having opinions is key to growth...and negative ones can give a different perspective. So I enjoy your posts no matter how you put it because they are always with a sharing point of view. This one is no different. Nice post.

Kelly: (Like the new photo) I do like to read posts contrary to my own opinion. But being very opinionated myself, I tend to sneak in, read and leave without commenting.

Steve: Sometimes it pays off to be the younger sibling!

Bryant: I like hearing both sides - I've often found that I learn a lot and sometimes even change my own opinion!

Konnie: I don't like when people are negative in a not-so-nice fashion, either. It's one thing to share an opposing opinion, but completely different to just be rude and mean!

Gary: Optimism is better than pessimism any day of the week! :)

Chris Ann: Sometimes I do that too...

Hi Kelly, I like both. And nothing like a good debate to get the juices going. I have many folks here and AG that disagree with my PPC Campaigns, that's fine. I know it works.

Missy: That's the thing with opinions...none are "right" or "wrong" they're just different!

Kelly, very nice post. I tend to read everything---but don't have a lot of patience for anyone that doesn't have any patience for opposing views:) I love it when a "healthy" banter gets going on a post----you have nothing to give if you have nothing to learn. I also agree that you can't eat positive thinking.

I like to read posts that I don't necessarily agree with. It gives me food for thought, or maybe shows me a different side of an issue that I had not considered. I don't always comment, but I read, read, read...it gives me something to think about in the shower :)

DEC

Charles: You can't take it to the bank, either! Healthy, respectful banter is interesting!

Lisa: If it is more of an "argument" than friendly "discussion" I will often pass on commenting. I don't like it when either the poster or commenter is deliberately trying to "bait" the reader.

Oh, I think we all know that I don't mind engaging in the occasional quarrel, but I find that I usually agree with the content of the posts I read because I have chosen those to whom I subscribe wisely. I don't have enough time in the day to keep up with everyone on my subscription list, much less lurk unfamiliar authors, so I only sparingly stumble across something that strikes me as patently ridiculous and in need of blowback. After one or two such postings from the same person, they go into the circular "knucklehead" file. I'll debate someone with a respectable head on their shoulders on topics which allow for understandable differences of opinion, but I won't get duped into engaging a self-evident moron ... except when I do ;)

Kelly, I do believe that we seek out those whose opinions more closely match ours. Case in point: The articles during the election process this year. More and more people subscribed to others because of their political beliefs.

Hi Kelly! First of all, congratulations on that little gold star! I love this post! Funny but, I don't seek out controversial posts but, when I do stumble upon one, I sometimes sit back and just read--never commenting, even after the debate has begun. I just 'listen and learn'! I do agree that the differing opinion makes for a healthy debate at times but, when some are just plain nasty, that drives me away--I don't learn anything from nasty people, I pity them AND the original author!

I must add though that you are one that brings positivity to the table but, I love your realistic opinions too and think that they bring your knowledge and experience to light for others to learn from.

Debe in Charlotte

I certainly only look for positive posts. There is enough negativity in this word without choosing to participate in more. That is not to say I do not read or look at things that have a different view than mine. I like to see all points of view. I just will not participate in the he said she said stuff!!!

I end all of my notes and correspondences in Happy Whatever Day of the week it is. It is sickening to some and comforting to me!!

Happy Tuesday!!

LORI

Hi Kelly,

Life would be really boring if everyone agreed on everything. Some of my most memorable "blog" days have been when I posted something that went against the grain and had heated debate for a week because of it. I think that differing opinions help others to learn something new. Good post!

I'm kinda with Paul, though not so "eloquent." I have a certain amount of time to read blogs. I really don't want to spend time reading posts with people who are so philosophically different than I am. I just tend to stare at their posts incredulously, as I am sure they do mine.

Life is too short to spend arguing with people you don't know. I subscribe to people that I personally get something out of. Whether it is good real estate information, great marketing ideas, inspiration for my own posts, or just plain entertainment. Entertainment goes a long way with me...

Your post has reminded me of something that I feel is worthy of sharing. I write about a very broad spectrum of topics...from very serious and spiritual to really funny (in my own mind, of course!) Because of that, I've attracted a wide range of readers. However, I've noticed that the readers who subscribe because of a funny post rarely comment on one of my more serious posts...and visa versa. I have even lost a few subscribers because of that...and I'm okay with that. I understand.

Now...that does not answer your question. Like many others, I'm attracted (in general) to very positive people. However, I do read a LOT of posts...from a LOT of different bloggers. What keeps me reading is passion. If someone is passionate about what they write...I'll read them. If I disagree with them...I may or may not comment...depends on my mood. I'm not a troublemaker...but I do enjoy a good debate...an intelligent one, that is. I'm not interested in participating in a &^(%^%%@#% contest. ;-) ~GBU~

Kelly, I have to disagree that positive thinking won't pay the bills. It always does mine. I just am real positive toward the end of the month and magically the universe provides the funds. Of course I have got to stop smoking whatever it is I am. Seriously, you are right, the disagreement without being disagreeable provides lively debate. Now the people who rant without reason, I read them just for me because they are so entertaining. I usually won't comment on theirs, because they already are so nonsensical and I have nothing more to add.

Hi Kelly,

Realtors will do whatever serves themselves. If a comment furthers their agenda, they will allow it. If a comment proposes some viewpoint that might hurt their business, they ignore it or sometimes delete it.

So in a way, they are not "Analysts" or "Consultants" at all, because their opinions are not designed to inform the consumer; they are salesmen, their opinions are designed to manipulate and influence the consumer.

Usually they call this "THINKING POSITIVE!" Because as a Real Estate agent, when everyone thinks positively, you make more money!! This is why Realtors say that rising prices are inherently "Good," even though that reduces affordability, and increases peoples' debt.

I find it highly amusing that in Realtor-land, the opposite of "Positive" is "Realistic"! Chew on that one.

Colonel Orson Swindle

Kelly,

I'm very eclectic in what posts I read. I have seen the phenomena that you mentioned. It would be a pretty boring world if everyone agreed all the time.

Rich

I forgot the main point! Silly me.

The Main Point is that there are two sides to every coin.

Your positivity = Higher home prices = Negativity for the first-time buyer

So to the degree that you are irrationally positive, you will get irrationally negative comments from people! The secret is to stay balanced. If agents were balanced between buyers' interests and sellers interests, you wouldn't face so much hostility from the peanut gallery.

Col. Orson Swindle

Kelly,

I searched with a fine toothed comb for something to disagree with in your post.......and found nothing!!! Thanks, Fran

P.S. BTW, Did Adam & Eve have belly buttons...???

As a kid, I was told that Opinions were like a**holes.... everyone has one, and nobody wants to hear yours!

It is nice to see all opinions, but I have seen comments that are down right attacking, I also posted a comment not agreeing with the topic of a post " I lost a listing to a Big Boobed Realtor"..I posted my comment and He deleted it! Come to find out he was deleting all the negative comments he got...Ahh the world of Opinions and Blogging..fun fun!

Paul: I think it is human nature to be drawn to people who we feel are most like us. However, we probably tend to learn more when we venture outside of that comfort zone. If nothing else, we learn exactly what not to do (or say)!

Kris: I agree. It's funny though...when it came to the political posts...I didn't even want to read them! Maybe political overload...who knows?

Debe: Thank you for the compliment! I definitely don't seek out controversy, either.

Lori: Posts that express an alternate opinion are not necessarily negative, as you point out! Happy Tuesday! :)

Melina: I couldn't have said it better myself! Life is to short to argue with people you do know, let alone people you don't!

Elizabeth: I've seen that happen as well. Some only comment on a certain type of posts that I write, which is okay...I find that I do the same thing sometimes.

Gary: You make a great point...I tend to comment when I feel that I have something to add!

Richard: It would definitely be boring!

Col. Orson Swindle: Most real estate agents are blogging to promote their business, so they naturally want to be seen in the best light. However, I don't feel that they are simply trying to manipulate the consumer. Some are, some aren't. The very best agents are indeed consultants for their clients and always put their client's needs first, which includes telling them not to buy or not to sell in today's market! The best market is one that is balanced...not skewed in favor of the buyer or the seller. People still need to buy and sell, and there are opportunities and challenges for both buyer and seller...in every market!

I prefer a post with a divided comment stream. It is kind of boring to read a whole bunch of comments that add nothing to the discussion.

I'd say the colonel may be a bit jaded and heavy handed in his generalization of the collective "Realtor" mindset/agenda, but I'd also say something else ... he has a point.

Fran: Good question! :)

Alan: Yes, but I didn't want to write that! Belly buttons is a little more user-friendly!

Tara: I've seen that as well. I see no problem with someone deleting comments that are nasty, rude or attacking...but to delete simply because someone disagrees with you is a little strange! But, to each his (or her) own!

Kelly - Good post; I am like you, optimistic but realistic; most of the posts that I read & comment on are like yours...good information! Thanks!

Lane: True.

Paul: I have read some posts where I felt that the agent (or mortgage professional) was trying to further his or her own agenda to sell more homes...instead of doing what is best for the consumer. Sad but true.

Bobby: Thanks! Life is simply not all sunshine and roses!

Informative passionate content that educates and motivates. Simple as that. Those who love this industry who work hard at it each and every day are people we like to learn more about. The information they share with us then becomes a bonus as the relationship comes first.

Kelly... I need to go back and read each of these comments... I am sure that this is a very interesting topic... but I thought the saying that opinions are like ____, because everyone has one.. lol

Seriously, I love opinions and debates in my blogs... what I dislike are narrow minded people that state opinion as if it were a fact. I have written 3 blogs in the last 7 days that only really one person has chimed in from the other side of the fence, acting as I am wrong and she is right. Yes, 98% of all the other comments agree with me.

Now, this gets to your other point... that I also find a lot of comments that agree with the poster, yet when the poster has actually put false or misleading information out there. It's like a catch 22... or when the comments say, great post, excellent infortmation... yet, these comments might be coming from a realtor, but the author of the blog was a loan officer.

Overall, just funny that you wrote about this, especially since I have seen more of it take place in the last week. I am glad that this was featured, because this is a problem, but it will never change. People do have opinions.. again, that's great. But when they don't back it up with fact or make the opinion sound like fact, I have a problem with that.... great post... thanks

jeff belonger

Love your title! I definitely seek out positive news about the local real estate market (usually to share with potential buyer and sellers). I do like to debate on certain topics but when I run into those "Negative Nellies" (usually on Zillow), I tend to get a little frustrated that they won't have a true discussion and consider both points of view.

And just like belly button's, some are deeper then others! : )) However I think you need to know both sides to be effective. I try to surround myself with only positive thinking, but need to know what the negatives are so I can address it and be pre-pared for it.

Hi Kelly,

I like the belly-button analogy. I've heard it expressed in, not so politically correct terms...lol. As for your point, I agree entirely. As professionals, we are often queried for our opinion on various topics related to the economy, the overall market, real estate market etc. It's unfortunate though that so many people are there to call you out on your opinion or look back in hindsite and point out when you weren't correct.

It's one thing to play devil's advocate in order to create a stimulating discussion. It's completely different to look back with complete information and comment with authority on an opinion expressed when somebody was commenting before complete info was available.

I completely agree that quality discussion helps all of us become better at what we love. That type of dicussion benefits all that participate-simply stating when somebody wasn't correct with a forecast or opinion doesn't.

Sorry for the rant...just seems that in a lot of cases, people are more willing to comment on an opinion when they can discredit it rather than add to a productive conversation.

Hi Kelly,

Sorry for the rant...just seems that in a lot of cases, people are more willing to comment on an opinion when they can discredit it rather than add to a productive conversation.

Kelly - I pretty much only read the posts that I have subscribed to. (Sometimes they agree with me, and sometimes they don't.) I don't have much time for anything else... But I think I'm realistically positive - like you. :)

I am a glass is half full kind of guy, if fact I am excited I have a glass, much less something to put in it, but at the same time, unless I am doing the back stroke in Lake Tequila, I am living in reality. Life is what it is and you better be able to deal with. Burying your head in the sand only makes it easier for life to kick you in the butt.

I started with AR to hear other ideas. Like you said, some post are nothing but pats on the back for the writer of the post they are responding too, which is fine, but I sure wish people who hear a different drummer would step up and state their opinion. I am always open to any idea or suggestion. I don't have to subscribe to it or use it, but I would like to read it. You never know when someone will come up with a new wrinkle that will work with a litting tweaking.

WOW. Lots to read and absorb, here. I am reminded of my initial training to become a member of the Ontario Provincial Police: "When in court, when answering the attorney, always preface your statement with In my opinion, ...". There are those who will agree, there are those who will disagree; that's OK. It is when your opinion is stated as "fact" that you get into trouble. After leaving the police force, after a 20-year career in Marketing & Sales (11 promotions / 11 relocations / 11 REALTORS) it has been my experience, that is, in my opinion, REALTORS do place client interest first. Beyond my personal experience of buying and selling as I climbed the corporate ladder, my opinion is now based on a first-hand, living environment. You see, today I am a REALTOR, a nineteen year veteran. I see the good, I see the bad. There is more good, by far. Back to the point, positive versus negative, in my opinion it is only a concept, a thought. Our thoughts create choices, and it is our choices that determines our outcome. AND, that's my opinion, today. I may have another opinion tomorrow!

I think it is important to be positive, but also to be objective. I think that some of the comments are blurring this line. I think that a good focus on objectivity would do everyone a lot of good.

my $0.02

I try to be positive and tend to seek out positive posts. I always learn something from most posts that I read and often times it has been a negative comment on a positive post. Your post really made me take notice of that. Thanks.

I always seek out the posts that catch my eye. I love catchy phrases and unique titles. I must be honest though, I dont have the heart to tell the blogger that I dont really agree with there post, I always tell them "great post" and move on. I know it's not right but I feel ruid if I say it any other way. Thank you though for sharing your post with us. It really made me think twice about what I comment on on others posts. Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

Wow, Kelly, you're dead on. I've had posts where the first series of comments are positive, then I get that one negative and it's like it opens the flood gates and turns the tide. My mother-in-law used that saying, "Opions are like ..." except it wasn't belly buttons...

Kelly,

I write what I feel and I do not back off my views regardless of popularity of the topic. However, my intention is to always empower professionals, whether through information, motivation, inspiration, because I know that most times you just need to help people find or remember the way and once they do they take off from there.

I read and write in a postive manner most often because this is how I live. I can say from personal experience that I won't bore anyone here with that triumph comes through finding the light in the dark closed room and grabbing onto that and not letting go.

Everytime I have turned to the negative so has the path of my not only my professional and personl life.

It's not an option for me or the three young children I provide for....so of course I focus on finding the postive because in my life it is the only realistic way to survive.

Hi Kelly...Oh yes, I have an opinion. In fact I have many. I even bought a shirt that said as much.

I like a bit of controversy if it's done in the right spirit. I have learned to avoid the posts that suck you in only to spit you out by pretending to want your comments and then telling you that you don't belong because you are not of the same political persuasion.

Like you I like the gutsy one that differs with the mainstream, not for the sake of differing but because they really have a different point of view.

I wish I could disagree with you right now!

Kate

opinions are good and there in nothing wrong with expressing it, as long as you are not disrespectful. I never heard the term as belly buttons.

I guess I get hooked by the post title first, but then it turns out to be disappointing. Paul wrote something very edgy the other day, not posiitive, not negative, just real. Gary always posts the best positive stuff and he himself says it pays the bills, so who's to argue? I'm definately not afraid to argue my point on AR, it's whether I bother or not. Yesterday I blew off commenting on a few posts just because I thought 'who cares'. Those people are writing fluff. I did leave a nasty comment on someone from Peducah Kentucky's post yesterday about all Illinois politicians are criminals. My comment is: there's a lower percentage than the 100% figure so give us a break. Who needs a smart alec from Peducah? Where IS Peducah?

I think it's appropriate to show some restraint in a public forum when a post bashes our industry or people/companies/practices in it. That doesn't mean I keep my mouth shut (or fingers in my pocket) but I choose to communicate my dissent through a private email to the original poster. Our comments, as well as our posts, show up in Google alerts and being argumentive with other members might suggest to a consumer that I won't be pleasant to do business with - that's not the message I wish to communicate to potential clients.

Castellum Realty: Educate, motivate, inform, enlighten...the content is what keeps us coming back for more!

Jeff: Sometimes the writer (and reader for that matter) forgets that what might be the "correct" way to do something in one region is completely different in another. Take agency, for example. It is a highly charged subject with no absolute right or wrong. Yet that is one subject that is highly disputed. I agree that an opinion is just that...an opinion...not necessarily a statement of fact.

Kerry: "True discussion" - that's a good way to put it!

Michelle: I agree. You have to understand both sides of the equation to be fully prepared. The market may get better relatively soon, or it may take 2-5 years. Based on that information, what is the best course of action for agents, loan officers, buyers and sellers? If someone only focuses on the "good stuff" then they are missing an important piece of the overall puzzle.

Shaun: Hindsight is always 20/20. When we give an opinion, it is based on the facts as we know them today - we can't predict the future! Nicely thought out comment - thanks!

Debi: Me too, and then I check the featured posts. Not much time to go surfing around!

Bill: "some post are nothing but pats on the back for the writer of the post they are responding too, which is fine, but I sure wish people who hear a different drummer would step up and state their opinion." EXACTLY! Well said!

Un-logged in person: There is more good than bad - absolutely! Our opinions are not set in stone. That's why I like to be exposed to other points of view. Give me a reason to change my mind! I just might!

Chad: "Objective: Not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased: an objective opinion." YES!

Angelica: I seek out the positive posts as well, but not exclusively. I want to learn...and sometimes the rosy-painted picture just isn't what is real.

James: I hope now you will feel comfortable enough to state your opinion!

Kelly,

Amen to that sister! I think we need a balance between positive and reality. The market in Nashville is not as bad as others, but I believe fellow Realtors need to look to the future and see what changes we need to make to become better Realtors. Because when this mess is over, our clients are going to be looking for something new, something fresh to not take them back to where they just came out of. But a Realtor that has transformed the way we look at RE.

Kris: That's exactly what prompted me to write this post!

Rebecca: So true.

Kate: Very well said. :)

Michael: Well, the other terminology isn't exactly as politically correct!

Lyn: I have no idea where Peducah is, either! I thought Paul's post was right on the money - that kind of realistic viewpoint resonates with me.

Margaret: I completely, totally agree with you. The lack of restraint by some in this very public forum makes me wonder sometimes. Some things are just better left unsaid.

Michelle: I believe that the real estate industry is changing...and those that think that we will just "go back to the way things used to be when the market was good" are somewhat delusional. I predict that when this mess is all over, the public will expect and demand a different type of real estate agent. That's not negative, or positive, but me looking into the future with my eyes wide open.

kelly, to be honest, I like posts that give me information and I especially like posts that make me think! I also like feed back that challenges my standing. I'm glad that on Active Rain, there's a little of everything. And yes, I've noticed how many responses will agree with something I've said and when one finally gives a different opinion, others will feel safe enough to express an opposing view point.

With all of the views out there on a variedy of subjects... i think people read all types of blogs, but in responding it is usually of thank you for saying what i believe or think. I leave my debating for close family members who i know on a personel level if at that. Activerain blogs that i disagree with why bother debating, after all i want everyone to think about my services what ever their political pursuasion is unless you hate me then I guess if that is the case you wouldn't be hiring me for my skills anyway.

More Good than Bad Oh,oh; I must be the "unlogged-in person". A novice at this; guess it shows? If I still show up as "unlogged", I'll be pulling out the dictionary and looking it up :)

...aaaah, there I am. GOOD, Good. Feeling positive; yup, downright positive!

Bless my mother, who always said, "Look for the silver lining..." On her deathbed, after 90 wonderful years, when asked by my sister, "Where's the silver lining?", she responded with a smile and a wink, "Honey, I'm going home."

Hi Kelly~ I read a lot more posts than I actually comment on.... sometimes there is nothing to add . If I disagree adamantly about something then I will say it but in a polite way. There is never any reason to be rude to anyone. I respect others opinions. If we all thought the same it would be so boring. I learn so much by reading the comments on other posts. Others opinions fascinate me because they really make me think...

Aloha Kelly, My opinion is that I like the r rated version of your blog post title better. On a more serious note, my willingness to seek out opposing view points varies by what kind of mood I am in on that particular day. Sometimes, if it is a long day, I just want self affirming fluff. Other times, I like to get in there and mix it up and/or challenge myself.

Kelly,

Good question - I have found that I read a combination of featured posts (thinking they must be good - like yours right now !!!) and other blogs that I have subscribed to (already subscribed to yours) as a starting point. Then I will go into my favourite groups and scan the titles for something interesting and will read those.... other than that, I dont seek out titles per se unless I am interested in learning about SEO, internet tips and the like... It is good however to understand both sides of an opposing view... it provides a learning opportunity and an opportunity for growth. ~ Chris

This is a GREAT post! Very well done! Of course I like to hear positive material but I lost my rose colored glasses a long time ago. I don't like to make negative comments but I also believe in telling the truth. I think that that can always be done tactfully and in a good spirit. We are after all trained negotiators. I have however read a few posts that it was better to just leave than to get myself riled up.

Merry Christmas

Debbie

Cynthia: It is great that there is a little bit of everything here on AR. Whatever we are looking for, we can usually find it!

Joel: It is important to remember that this is a public forum, and how we express ourselves is very important if we expect to get business from it.

John: Thanks for logging in and sharing who you are with the rest of us - you are no longer un-logged in!

Vickie: Sometimes there isn't anything else to add because it's been commented on to death! Kind of like this post, LOL! :)

Pete: Sometimes we all need a little fluff!

Chris: The title has to grab me as well, otherwise I just skip over it.

Debbie: No sense in getting all riled up! Those rose colored glasses are long gone...telling the truth is the only way to go!

Kelly~I like all types of posts...but, the ones I seem to gravitate to the most are those written by those that I respect as people and as professionals. Even though I may not agree with their "position," I too have been turned around by reading the opinions of others on the same topic. No matter how you look at it...we do all have belly buttons...and while they are all different, they are what make us special too :-) Congrats to you for the feature...I had one today too...It's a good day ;-)

Hi Kelly, Actually I really enjoy representing a minority opinion. Especially if it flies in the face of a fad or the latest trendy sales pitch.

Kelly,

Like you, I want to stay focused on the positive. However, over the years I discovered that I have to get up off of my *&^ and put my positive thinking to work.

Try it.... it works!

I read a lot of post and comment on about half. I like the ones with ideas first and then the positive ones. I stay away from politics and religion although I read them I very seldom comment.

Kelly,

Nowadays blogs are like belly buttons, everyone has one.

-Rob

Kelly: Of course most would like positive comments...Of course I read a post tonight about calendars that I didn't fully agree with. Some people actually like to recive them :)

I stick to my subscriptions for the most part. And I subscribe to people who have different styles and varieties. And yes, I usually agree with them. I like people with positive attitudes and good morals. So I know I lean toward those types of posts. But sometimes I disagree. And I'll say so. I don't have a problem with that, as long as it doesn't start a bunch of drama.

DEC

Kelly,

It's funny that you wrote this because I was thinking about both of these topics (positivity and dissenting opinons) over the past few days.

Regarding, dissenting opinions I too notice that there seems to be a lack of a real exchange of opinions on here in the interest of being professional and playing nice. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing and I often do, however this often has mixed results. Some people aren't interested in hearing different opinions, but personally I think life would be too boring if we all agreed.

Also, being positive vs realistic is a big struggle for me. While I believe in the power of positivity I realize that there are some things that we can never achieve or control despite our mindset. I like your term "optimistic realist.

Nice post!

Michelle

Kelly-

Sometimes being positive is the best asset we have - especially in our business. If we can't be positive, then no one else is going to. I don't need anything to bring dissention in my life . There is enough of that to go around in this world. So I choose to be happy, think good thoughts, and hope for the best. I like to read positive blogs, too. Some would say that I am not being real but it is the way I choose to be. So far it has worked.

I agree about the difference in opinions, and I'd heard a different version of your headline. It was a body part other than belly button:)

Hi Kelly,

I like this line, "Take, for instance, posts that are all about the power of positive thinking."

I do believe in the law of attraction, but by that same token you can't dismiss what is taking place in the economy and the housing market - I see a lot of agents that want to bury their heads in the sand - which is part of the reason why real estate agents have lost a lot of trust with the public the least couple of years.

Kelly,

I keep going back to one particular Rainer's blog. That person is very negative, very political and very outspoken. I never comment on the negative posts, but once in awhile I find a post that's not negative, and I always comment there.

Mike in Tucson

LaShawn: Congrats on your feature as well! Our unique outlook on the world should be shared.

Bill: Some latch onto the latest fad and refuse to see that it may not be the thing to do or where to spend their money, especially in this market. I enjoy reading "the other side" as well.

Larry: You can't just think positive...there's got to be some action...I agree!

Charles: I rarely comment on politics or religion either...in fact, I rarely read them. I'm here for real estate related articles not politics or religion.

Rob: Ha ha...I love it!

Roland: I hate calendars...right into the trash they go!

Lisa: I'm not into drama, either.

Michelle: Some are so intent on remaining positive at all costs that they fail to see the obstacles in front of them. Just because you ignore it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Best to face the challenge head on and beat it into the ground!

Un-logged in: Whatever works for you and makes you happy is what you should do.

Janice: I prefer belly buttons! :)

Mark: I couldn't agree more. Thanks!

Mike: That is so interesting...are you attracted to the honesty? The guts this person has to say whatever is on his/her mind? Do you think this person earns business from this blog or do you think it generally repels the consumer?

Good stuff Kelly. I agree that you should encourage others to express their opinion on your blog vs. just saying something positive to get a few points. The greatest benefit here in my opinion is to learn from other pros so lets not pull any punches....

Dean: The only exception would be when someone decides to attack someone else in the name of "discourse" which I've had happen to me before. There is respectful and friendly sharing of opinion and then there are those nasty people out there who choose to irrationally attack anyone and anything!

Kelly, I haven't read the huge stream of comment, but I hope you realize that every guy on Active Rain is fantacizing about - yep! Your naval! That has to be the all time best blog post title I've seen here!

Wow I can't believe I missed this post- I was just stumbling on Jeff's post and he mentioned yours and I had to see what was going on... Wow! Congrats on your gold star!

Pat: This reminds me of my Aunt Sue's nickname for me when I was little. She used to call me Kelly Belly Button. Awww.

Judy: Thanks...now I need to go read Jeff's post!

DEC

Kelly - It's very thought provoking. I read a variety of posts. I like the funny ones, the inspirational ones and the informative ones the most.

I'm a newbie and basically go to each state and start at the top...I read what the point leaders are writing about and how they make the most out of active rain...I love all points of view good bad ugly its America freedom of speech...I try to be positive but understand not everyone thinks like i do...the glass is always half full...

DEC

Carol: Thanks for your comment! Happy Holidays!

Tim: Good for you. Happy Holidays!

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?