what happens on ActiveRain, stays on ActiveRain?

Flagged you for a Feature, Maureen.  Good thread. 

" I think this is an important discussion.  Too many members do dumb stuff on Members Only, as if they are behind closed doors.
If nothing else, this post illustrates how easily misunderstandings escalate beyond reason. "

Maureen,

I think the nature of the thread and it's evolution eminently qualify it for broad readership, a la, a "Feature."  I don't think "safe" and "correct" posts free of "distortion" should be the only ones Featured.

Fact is, Featured Posts spur MORE conversation, which in this case may be a good thing.

This conversation is VERY revealing regarding the risks of casual use and abuse of "Members Only," misleading interpretation and dissemination of a poster's thoughts, and pressing that point repetitively.

It is the sort of stuff I like to read.  It makes me think.  And, Frances is right up front and unapologetic.

How many are out there who are NOT right up front about their mindset, but may be aggressive?

How many hits and clicks do you have on this post?

Whoa!  Imagine my surprise to see my name in this thread! LOL.  Maureen, your post is quite thought provoking.

The reason I left my original brokerage was indeed over my blog - but it had nothing to do with liability.  It was, to make a very long and painful story short, a personal dispute over a business model I disagreed with.   I had started the blog hoping to get the broker to change position, but I ended up being the one to change.  ;-)

I am very careful to make sure I do not put myself - and my broker - at risk of lawsuits.  (At least I think I am...?).  I limit my postings to fluffy real estate stuff, local info, tips, photos, etc... generally staying away from controversy.  I know the controversial posts are like porn, but I really don't want to offend anyone; I'm here to get business, not trouble!

I was tempted the other day to write a post about a transaction I had involving a very difficult agent.  But to what end?  It would have been nothing but me tooting my own horn about how awesome I think I am compared to the other agent.

I was curious to read other comments, having been the first in this thread.  From the looks of some other comments, the edit was probably a good idea for clarification.  However, I don't think for a second that your original post promotes using "Members Only" for posting unethical content and I really can't imagine how anyone interpreted it that way.

I think it is perfectly valid to blog about things we see in the field that we do not agree with. You have to be careful, obviously, about divulging personal information, for example, this was just posted:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1464792/my-client-s-5-year-old-daughter-took-a-sh-in-a-foreclosure-

I don't think this one was very bright, and is a shining example of what to NEVER blog about. 

That said, if I get to a home with a snarling pit bull that isn't crated, I might blog about that one. I won't say "the residents of 1120 anywhere BLVD are idiots" but I would write my feelings on the matter. 

Looks like that one was removed, J. Philip.  I honestly don't understand people.  I wrote a blog along these lines a couple years ago, "Are You Losing Business Because of Your Blog" but it wasn't from a potential lawsuit liability standpoint, but just from turning off customers because you are complaining about them, insulting them or their family members, etc...and people will look at your blog and think "No way I'm contacting this agent, I don't want my dirty laundry aired on her blog like this..."

It amazes me in some ways that people don't "get it."  But then again, a colleague once said to me that "Many realtors are not the brightest crayons in the box, so what can you expect?"

Sad.

I have a lot of fun stories I'd love to tell on my blog re: adventures w/ my clients, strange people I've encountered, odd things people have done and said...but in the end I would be driving my future customers away, and entertaining only other agents...and my point is to get business, not a bunch of realtors guffawing with me.

WOW!

That has got to be the most thought provoking post I have seen on Active Rain, and one of the few times I read through every comment.

I will be careful what I post for now on.

Maureen,

Thank you for the clarification.

We have shared abundant tongue-in-cheek engagement over the years, starting at RealTalk. We've both used irony as a literary device on numerous occasions and I confess the "irony" filter in the reading part of my brain stays on sometimes when it should be in the "off" position.

I think you are spot on about ill advised "Members Only" posts.

I promise to watch that in the future. Sorry for the confusion.

For the record, I am happy to share engagement with you even when we disagree. I am grateful for many years of engagement, starting on the listservs. You have my utmost respect and affection. Keep up the good work ... you are a wonderful blogger and a refreshing voice in the real estate Net. 

Thanks for your post.

I'm just here for the buffet.  Dibs on floating ribs of a persecuted agent!