Regarding Today's Inman News Article

Yes AR and its membership is a commodity and Yes it would be disappointing if they sold out to Move or any one else who did not have the same values and principles of AR but the bottom line is we paid nothing for AR and it is theirs to do with as they see fit. I must admit I did like the post that  suggested we share in the spoils but how can you share in the spoils if you don't share in the expenses.

Hope it works out in AR's and therefore our favour

I find this whole thing very disturbing.  I've devoted two hours a day, seven days a week to this community. To have my work product, and the work of all AR's other contributors suddenly at risk, is unacceptable.  I didn't contribute all my articles to localism.com to have Move end up owning them.

It's clear from Move's prior behavior that if they owned the platform, our whole community culture would be changed for the worse.  I'm a big AR fan, but I must say that giving away all their sensitive information without a firm contract being signed in advance was highly naive.  I always knew that AR's owners would have to find a way to make a profit - but from the people who ruined Realtor.com?  I feel betrayed.

Very interesting story.  In my estimation, the AR network/platform would be worth every penny of the $33M to Move, Inc., and more.  The AR network and related content (especially localism, market reports, etc.) could potentially lead Realtor.com back from the brink of irrelevance with real estate consumers, while at the same time leveraging the power of the AR network to build relationships with its Realtor customers.

Why would Move, Inc. pull out of the deal?  Were the Rain Gods robbed blind once Move, Inc. had the info they wanted?  It doesn't make sense to me that all they wanted was the member list.  Heck, can't any visitor to the site get that?

My WAG is that Dustin saw the value of the AR community and pitched this deal to his bosses at Move, Inc.  Because those idiot just don't get it, they bailed on the deal.  What a bunch of morons, but not a surprise at all, considering the ineptitude of the management at Move, Inc. (Homestore, etc.)

Rain Gods, don't sell yourselves short.  Once this market turns around, you may be able to get $60M for the AR network.  But in the meantime, get yourself a pack of pit bull lawyers and go for the jugular.  I wouldn't let them buy you out for peanuts, though.

Stefan wrote: "My WAG is that Dustin saw the value of the AR community and pitched this deal to his bosses at Move, Inc.  Because those idiot just don't get it, they bailed on the deal.  What a bunch of morons, but not a surprise at all, considering the ineptitude of the management at Move, Inc. (Homestore, etc.)"

huh? I never thought of Dustin having any respect for ActiveRain.... or seeing any value in it... really

There are a lot of aspects to this case that intrigue me, and I really do hope that the case does come before a jury.  Only then will light be shed publicly on the shadows of the business practices of the "industry leaders."

I hope that AR sticks to their guns and takes their complaint before a jury, without giving in to the temptations of a big settlement.  

Consumers deserve to see what goes on behind the scenes at companies like Move.com.  If I were them, I would be embarrassed by the tone of their defense.  I can't help but read it and be reminded of the parable of the Scorpion and the Otter.  They (Move.com) are basicly saying in their defense that "ActiveRain should have known better than to give us what we asked for."

As a new member I just viewed and searched, not really willing to join, post or blog, but this site made it so easy and comfortable to see and feel others joy & pains, and willingness to ask and give advice without been demeaning or making someone feel dumb for making mistakes or even asking for help.

Good Luck ... I like AR and hope to see it grow and prosper and continue to be the best!

I heard the deal valued each member at something like 300 bucks or more.  Crazy stuff.  Too bad Move pulled out.

http://www.gregorygarver.com/

http://www.motelbrokersusa.com/

http://www.san-francisco-apartment.net/

http://www.san-francisco-ca-real-estate.us/

http://www.san-francisco-mls.net/

http://blog.gregorygarver.com/

http://www.gregorygarver.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

Did they try to buy you out?

Jenna Ryan
The Marketing Shop.com

Sorry to be so late to this party. But perhaps I was early in seeing this or something similar coming. 

I wrote a blog in April 2007:

What kind of business model is this?

I was discussing in a veiled manner Active Rain's future plans. I concluded: "When you have enough critical mass and national acclaim you make your boldest move yet... But for now you keep everybody guessing."

I received 5 comments, one was just "????" , another said: "Gerhard, What on earth have you been smokin', Man?"  Do you GET it, now?

On 9/27/07 it was reported that a lawsuit was brought by ActiveRain against Move, Inc.

Does anyone know the disposition of this case?

This is interesting and I am wondering where this issue stands at this point in time as well.  Sharon, realtor.com in my area is searched by 50%+ buyers.  Yes, their fees are high, but I'm not sure there is much we can do.

Did this case get dismissed or was there a settlement of any kind?

What is the current status of the case?

Jay

Interesting.