I was talking to an agent the other day and I have been helping her get the Active rain blogger addiction. She works from another office and is directly the competition. I don't ask for company secrets, I even worked for the  same company at one time . I don't know why but when she asks for help from other AR people in the office they give her a comment like why don't you have your buddy Russ help. I just think it is very childish that two people in the industry could not maintain a friendship without all of the red tape. I'm sure it is the same reason I left the company. Their so concerned about what people do and how they do it, They border the term employer in a inderependent  contractor. I was told that almost all Agents are independent contractors. I thought that meant you did your own thing with respect of the companies outline. I found myself being told what to advertise how to advertise, content. Size, I could go on forever. My main point is why can't more people help just to help. It seems like everyone wants to gain something from doing it. ( the good deed) I believe in paying it forward. It works and you will reap great things from the seeds you sow. Just as bad karma will sneak around and Bite the ones spreading  hate and discontent. I guess this falls under roses and thorns. A rose to all that help others without question. A thorn to those that criticize the ones that help without condition. The Dog is to remind everyone a friend is somebody whom helps others no matter the cost. Be a friend and Help. The dog as a species never questions your devotion and will always do as you ask ( most of the time ) People should be more like them.