Well, after my first 6 months witih Active Rain, I thought I might share my questions, comments, observations, suggestions, problems, antics, and issues that I have encountered in a very short period of time!
So far, my overall impression of ACTIVE RAIN, is that it is a "combination" of 145,000 people all playing "rock em sock em robots". It is BLUE (ego) vs. Red (actual working knowledge). The Mortgage / Realestate Industry has a way of "pitting" people against each other! Good or bad, we have to work smarter not harder, and ALWAYS be open to suggestion and be willing to accept change, if we are going to vaccinate this problem!
Questions 1. AR, why dont we have a better tool bar for these blogs? I sure would like to increase type size, change my fonts etc..and should be able to do it from right within the blog.
2. AR, why can't you just delete some of the profiles that havn't been used in years?? Here in Wisconsin, there are several that havn't even been in BUSINESS for years...
3. AR, who responds to the "contact us" emails, and why do they take so long to respond?
4. AR, how long does it really take to "add" a category to be listed in? For example, there are people that want to JOIN AR, but dont have a category for what they do...and dont want to be listed under some of the ones you have in there that dont really match. And, why can't we be listed in multiple categories?? For example, a Realtor could also be a Broker, or a Bank, could also be a Mortgage Company, or Loan company. Also for clarification purposes, we are allowed to pick a category to show up as...for example, Loan Officer. When a consumer goes to the STATE selection, it immediately picks up everyone within the state. Say they want to narrow it down to finding a Mortgage Company. Then, it pulls up in order JUST the Mortgage Companies. It would be nice to see where you rank not just in your own category, but also under a title like Loan Officer. Not every consumer searches in the same fashion. That's all! Hope this helps..
5. AR, how are the blog features actually chosen, and why is that some of the same people are chosen so frequently? I would assume with 145,000 members and growing, there are others that can write well, have good information, and understand the importance of current events!
Comments
Can't we utilize this site for honest, passionate and most of all ACCURATE information?
I have been apalled at the childish comments left behind and the petty bickering over WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG! This is unprofessional, and I think that EVERYONE needs to think about WHO is reading the blogs...it is NOT just people in our industry! We are HOPING customers are reading too aren't we??
Why is it that I leave consistent comments on people's blogs, and they do not have the courtesy to return the favor?
Why is it the people get SOO defensive when you question their so called "facts"?
There is a HUGE difference between discrediting someone, and asking for the person to post accurate information, wouldn't you agree?
Sometimes these blogs are a battle between ego & stupidy as well as the "undercard" of knowledge vs. rhetoric. This is sort of like Rock Em Sock Em Robots!
Suggestions
1. Let's TRY to remain positive, even when we don't agree with someone.
2. Lets try NOT to make things personal and ATTACK a persons character!
3. Let's re-read what we type before we hit send or submit!
4. Let's not correct people in their blog about spelling and grammar errors shall we?? I know I for one rarely use the spell checker! LOL
You know I am VERY GRATEFUL TO ACTIVE RAIN for the following reasons.
1. I had never BLOGGED before, and you got me going with it! Thank you!
2. You encouraged me to read the book on the right!
3. Because of you, I have TONS of more professional friends, and a fantastic EVIL MORTGAGE GENIUS GROUP of people I can always contact with questions!
4. You have increased my passion for the business again, and for that I am deeply grateful!
5. Overall, it has been a GREAT experience!
In my first 6 months I have ONE feature, of which I was/am very proud of. It came in my first 3 weeks, so still out there looking for the next one!
I have learned SO much in my first 6 months, and truthfully more in that time than probably the last couple of years combined! With all of the changes our industry has gone through, I think now more than ever, it is CRITICAL that we form solid alliances, build trust in our colleagues and customers, remain positive, remain focused, that we don't dwell on the negatives, and we try like heck to not play "ROCK EM SOCK EM ROBOTS" unless it is with our children!
WOODROW WILSON ONCE SAID:
"You are not here to merely make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand. "
Thanks for reading, and here's to another 6 months!
Your "lender for life"
Proudly Serving the State of Wisconsin since 2003
Please enjoy my other blogs at your convenience!
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