Real Estate Blog - LET'S GET REAL ABOUT THE 60 MINUTES MATTER

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LET'S GET REAL ABOUT THE 60 MINUTES MATTER - IT'S ABOUT BEING ON THE FRINGE

QUOTE FROM REAL TALK THIS A.M.
"Quite frankly I don't know why anyone would watch 60 minutes. Whatever you think of President Bush, they clearly did a poor job on his National Guard stint and had the facts all wrong and still went ahead with the story. When did the media EVER show Realtors in a positive light? Never so what's all the fuss about. SOSDD........same old sh-t different day.
Neal Adler"
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RIGHT ON TARGET! ! !
I watched the segment because an agent called me and said it was on. I haven't watched 60 Minutes since - mmmm, how long has it been on the air? That's how long I haven't watched it. I don't like "GOTCHA" TV. Over the years, they have distinguished themselves by faking investigations of the Food Lion meat supply, faking a fire hazard by setting fire to a truck to film it on fire while trying to "investigate" the hazards of rear gas tanks, and so on.

The broadcast was precisely what should have been expected. It was a 20 minute infomercial for Redfin because featuring the fringe is the way to attack an industry. WE ARE AN INDUSTRY and Redfin is on the fringe of the real estate industry.

60 Minutes is a highly rated show. The highest ranked so called "news/documentary" in a long list of LOW RANKED shows on a LOW RANKED network. 60 Minutes is on the fringe of TV broadcasting.

WE ARE AN INDUSTRY and thus, A BIG TARGET.

Is this the "Drive By Media".

Posted by Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Maryland & Virginia on 05/16/2007 07:44 AM

Comments (27)

drive by media

27 Comments on LET'S GET REAL ABOUT THE 60 MINUTES MATTER - IT'S ABOUT BEING ON THE FRINGE

MAY

2007

I concur. I also know that if agents would simply get professional and start treating the business professionally - oh you know, actually require buyer broker agreements before they show property - RedFin wouldn't have the ability to step into this industry.

To the point...that's you , Lenn...and once again your ability to cut to the core of a matter shines in this post. Hope it brings a sense of balance and reality to the many real estate professionals who were offended by their characterization as on the prowl for an easy buck and way less than professional.

Thanks Christina. I agree. The Redfin model only works with buyers and sellers who don't understand the importance of protecting their investment.

JaneAnne: There are no easy bucks in real estate practice, IF you are a caring professional and use your knowledge, experience and training to benefit your buyer or seller client.

Exactly my sentiments, Lenn. The more marginalized they get, the louder they have to shout to be heard! As I have commented previously, we are a big, easy target.

NAR actually presented 60 Minutes with "the other side of the story." Of course none of these facts were presented. Guess the facts don't fit in with the overall plan.

Why let The Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story?

Lenn, I love the fact that you call 'em like you see 'em.

Lenn - your articles have been right on - what we need to watch out for, as Realtors, is not to get over defensive and start throwing rocks at the segment. We need to recognize that there is competition and the media will alway try to shed a negative light on hot topics, and the real estate industry is one of them. I can sleep at night knowing that I offer a service that my customers value and that's all that matters.

One lesson I learned from all this is that we need to be aware of who interviews us and make sure we will not be taken out of context, whether it is TV, radio or print - ask about editing and don't let journalists butcher your interview.

Brian Schulman - We are and they know it. They really can't hurt us. They just think that they can and need fodder for
their broadcasts. We're an easy target because we are a collective target. They aim at us through the NAR and because
the public wants to protect the UNDERDOG, thinks that Redfin is one. They are not. Where is the ground swell of
consumers supporting Redfin??? Showing one or two satisfied customers hardly represents a ground swell.

NAR actually presented 60 Minutes with "the other side of the story." Of course none of these facts were presented. Guess the facts don't fit in with the overall plan.
Why let The Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story?
Kristal Kraft - Good question Kristal. I read that too.

Well said, Lenn. The nitty-gritty is that the truth wouldn't make for good ratings for 60 Minutes, so they broadcast something else. The public in general views Realtors in a bad light, so to get the biggest bang for their buck, that's the kind of story they'll air.

Jim & Maria Hart - Jim and Maria. I DISAGREE completely. Any time an industry does as much buyer and seller repeat and customer referral business that we do, we have GOT to be viewed in a very good light by our customers and clients. IT IS THE MEDIA that likes to use us to kick up ratings.

Lenn, I love the fact that you call 'em like you see 'em.
Maggie Dokic Thanks Maggie. Fact is, it is what it is and, like my hero Popeye, "Eye am what eye am".

Rick & Ines
One lesson I learned from all this is that we need to be aware of who interviews us and make sure we will not be taken out of context, whether it is TV, radio or print - ask about editing and don't let journalists butcher your interview.
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YOU MAKE A VERY IMPORTANT POINT. I wrote about that earlier. http://activerain.com/blogsview/WHY-YOU-DON-T-WANT-TO-TALK-TO-PRINT-MEDIA-REPORTERS?13121

I used to watch the show almost every week. That is until I found out the same things that you wrote about. Since then, I don't think that I've seen much of the show. Maybe fifteen minutes in the last fifteen years.
Roger Stensland Thanks Roger. These "gotcha" shows have been so full of distortions, I don't know why anyone watches any of them. But, they do. But, then I don't understand the "reality" shows either.

News noun 1: Often unbalanced reporting of information broadcast on television, radio, and published in print media, needs to be consumed with a certain amount of scepticism. 2: A broadcast or published report with the "if it bleeds it leads" context to generate the most controversy regardless of whom it affects, the consequences and without the balanced truthfulness to allow consumers to form an opinion not skewed for increased ratings or circulation.

Dictionaries need to update their definitions to reflect something more along the lines of my above definition.

I haven't watched 60 Minuets in over 12 years and was channel surfing when I came upon the beginning of the "story" and stayed to watch. How disappointing.

You are so correct to point out Lenn, that 60 Minuets' reporting had been itself very troubled with biased, sensational storytelling, whoops reporting. Perhaps they should have a warning at the end of each report to the effect that their report maybe biased, sensational, and perhaps faked to increase their ratings and earnings!

Lenn: I love your asssessment of 60 Minutes being "on the fringe." I'm sure they and Redfin would much rather fancy themselves as being "on the edge."

Lenn I don't watch that show either (except once, when there was a segment on a relative of mine). I was not surprised in the least that they did this. Worse, the radio stations the next day were all talking about it. First thing I heard the next morning was a couple of DJs ripping Realtors. How easily misinformation spreads.

Lenn, your what I call a real Stand Up Gal! You say things the way they are and stand behind it! Hurrah!

Lenn, You are a great spokeswoman for all of us. Thank you.

Lenn - These news/documentary shows are readily being replaced in the minds of people for real news. Most of my peers are online for their news.

They have to "sensationalize" to even get someone to watch. So much for standing on the merits of unbiased news reporting.

Lenn: I love your asssessment of 60 Minutes being "on the fringe." I'm sure they and Redfin would much rather fancy themselves as being "on the edge."
Roberta Murphy - Thanks Robera. You're on target.

First thing I heard the next morning was a couple of DJs ripping Realtors. How easily misinformation spreads.
Mary Pope-Handy - MMMMmmmm. Analysis by DJ. What a concept.

Lenn, your what I call a real Stand Up Gal! You say things the way they are and stand behind it! Hurrah!
Danny Smith - Thanks Danny. I greatly appreciate all comments, especially the complimentary ones! ! !

Lenn, You are a great spokeswoman for all of us. Thank you.
Mana Tulberg - Thank you Mana. We all speak for each other. We're a formidable force when speaking with one voice.

Lenn - These news/documentary shows are readily being replaced in the minds of people for real news. Most of my peers are online for their news.
They have to "sensationalize" to even get someone to watch. So much for standing on the merits of unbiased news reporting.
Paula Henry - Indianapolis Real Estate - That's so easy for us to figure out. Funny that the 60 Minute folks haven't figured that out.

Lenn, I don't watch it either and I'm glad I didn't. I watch FOX News, fair and balanced.

I did watch the video that Laurie posted on Monday morning. I got an email from our IT guy at RE/MAX Michigan, who said you pay the 3000.00 and then if your house sells it is gone. Wonder why they didn't mention that. Maybe in Seattle, all the homes sell ?

If we all stopped commenting on this story, I believe it will go away and I believe so will Redfin eventually.

Missy. I watch Fox too. It's more fun. Your guy in MI is right. I believe the reason we don't hear about the bad consumer experiences with Redfin is because folks are reluctant to admit that they've been duped.

Meriam. Perhaps. Perhaps not. But, thanks for commenting.

Hi Lenn,

You are correct when you say we are a target...just like GM, George Bush, Bill Clinton (boy, what a target) and a host of others. After reading a lot of comments regarding this 60 minute thing, I think I have the solution....we all need to drop it and start explaining, providing, and doing a better job, and change the perception of Realtors making too much money for doing so little work. A start would be better controls on who could become a Realtor, more education, and (GOD forgive me) a thinning of the ranks. NAR is very proud of the fact that our numbers exceed 1.2 million, I'm not so proud of the fact that only 20% or so, are making a decent living. We, you, and I need to raise the bar and change that perception of what the consumer thinks of us, and bring this profession to a higher standard. We will always have the Redfins and others.... competition is what made this country great, bitching and whinning about competitors is what is making us look like overpaid, noneducated, complaining, idiots, which the news media thrives on. Just my thoughts....love your style! ......... sorry the spell-checker was not working

Dick Beals

Thanks for commenting Dick. Lots to digest. I don't worry about the Redfins. I do get exercised when the media dumps on us so regularly. But, shucks, it's the price of fame.

We'll all know we're in trouble when the consumer stops using our services to buy or sell homes. In the meantime, let the media feed on us as they surely will. In the end, they will choke.

MAY

2007

Lenn, you couldn't have said it better. I have watched 60 minutes for years. It will be the last time I watch. I have better things to do than to listen to someone not in the business blast the real estate industry.

Thanks Kay.

i never watched the show because I don't like "gotcha" TV. I'm a sit-com junkie. If it doesn't make me laugh, I'd rather read a book. I just don't understand those shows or the reality shows.

No one outside our industry could possibly understand what we do because half the people IN our industry don't understand what we do.

Thanks for commenting.

Some of you may remember the expose 60 Minutes did many years ago (1986) on Audi's "unintended acceleration". I had an Audi at that time (In fact, have enjoyed several Audi's over the years). As an Audi owner I was sent the tape of the whole 60 minute interview, not just what was shown on television. It was sickening how it was edited - totally biased in one direction. It has been called "journalism's most shameful hour" (not by Audi but by some journalism schools) and almost destroyed the brand. I never watched 60 minutes again. EVER.

MAY

2007

Linda - Thanks for commenting. Thanks for identifying another "story of lies" by 60 Minutes. I don't like "Gotcha" TV at all. It makes me very uncomfortable to see a so called journalist cornering people with prepared questions, accusation and in general, attempting to humiliate the subject of the story.

There are lots of real bad people out there. Unfortunately, shows like 60 minutes do NOT take on the bad people of the world. They take on innocents with no way to reclaim their good name and reputation.

MAY

2007

Bravo, Lenn and Linda! Commentary here is outstanding.

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