And just because I can! Lately we have all been so involved in the contest mode that really helps us crank out good stuff. But, I begin to miss sharing my thoughts for what they're worth if anything! It becomes like visiting with old friends. And, there is so much to talk about.
Here I go...Rambling.
Have you been here long enough to remember hi-jacking blogs? This all happened towards the beginning of ActiveRain's start up and sometimes it was pretty fun. At other times it got pretty rowdy for lack of a better adjective. Members would choose a post from one of their friends and then bombard the post with their own conversations back and forth often ignoring the Host of the Post! At times a post would turn into so many people talking to each other with off color jokes and the "not so professional" persona that I felt uncomfortable participating. This was even before FaceBook and their recommendations to "never to put anything on the Internet lest it would come back and haunt you".
There are two reasons I've been thinking about our protocol for commenting. Kerrie Greenhalgh inspired the second reason today. Okay, so ONE subject is her post titled What's Your Daily Pleasure?
and we all took off visiting with each other. Now, Kerrie is a true ActiveRain Advocate and devoted staff member.
What she is creating is just cool. We all are feeling comfortable visiting with each other on her post and it gives us a "great platform" just to talk. I don't feel it has anything to do with a hi-jacking and it really gives us a chance to exchange personal information and conversation between friends without doing anything unprofessional. How cool is that? How cool is Kerrie? How cool is her idea? How cool is ActiveRain? Go there now! Wait! I mean after you finish this...
This platform feels like a home away from home for many of us. I know many more neighbors here than on my own street! I recommend we all move in and stay.
Now, here's the second thought which was really my first thought about commenting. If you just understood that sentence you're doing better than my spousal unit! LOL.
I am going to try to try (notice my non-committal guarantee) to stop the habit of answering each and every comment on my Postings! I have noticed that most all people really try and do this and it does become not only time consuming but difficult when there are bunches of comments!
Okay, don't get upset with me now...just let me explain.
First of all, we all want and need the comments to affirm and discuss the subject at hand. So don't think I am saying to quit commenting! That is what it's all about! To encourage a stream of conversation between members! To let us know you appreciated the work we put into our posts! WE ALL WANT COMMENTS.
What I am saying here is that "no one really gets any benefit for an individual "thank you" for a comment! Really! How many of you actually re-visit someone else's post to see if they answered you? I do on occasion and often times they haven't left anything truly personal.
Wouldn't you prefer to see a new comment coming in on your own blog?
Well, yeah! I certainly would! And, I am going to learn a lot more about you by seeing your profile and scrolling through the subjects you write about! What is your take on this?
Wouldn't you see the value of simply clicking on the PROFILE OF THE COMMENTER and reading and learning about them? As a commenter wouldn't you love to see everyone visit your place after you leave them a comment? Don't you think we could all get to know each other better this way?
And, remember...it's not about the number of comments on your posts. It's the individual quality of the comment. I've rambled enough here. I would love to get feedback and see what you think of the idea. Whataya think? We are all pretty opinionated and let's go for it.
My Frog! Update: The Jone's Family, as we have dubbed them are all doing great! We came up with their names based upon the increase of the cat food we are going through. This way we are "Keeping Up With The Jones'...hee,hee"
So, whataya think?
The Address Realty - Redding, CA
Specializing in Selling Unique Properties
What a wonderful and sweet post. Great perspective and so correctly...."right on". You are just too sweet and good for words. Thanks Deb....for "raising the bar"!
Aug 11, 2011 02:06 PM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Deb- I love rambling posts... maybe it's because that's the way I often carry on conversations with myself! I dod remember post hi-jacking but the ones I saw were for the most part in good fun. Not so much when they took away from the blogger, though.
I have made every effort to acknowledge every comment left on my post and I do agree with you that it gets time consuming. And, yes, I do go back to see if someone acknowledged a comment I left on their post. And, I don't think I mind it as much as I used to if the blogger would make a general "thank you" to everyone who commented. Anyway, great post and....
Congratulations.. You've been featured in BananaTude!
Aug 11, 2011 02:26 PM
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender - Leesville, LA
Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
Deb - I am a "relative" newbie - on AR (a little over two months) ....so the whole "hijacking" idea sounds FUN and I feel I missed out on something.....- and much like what happens on Facebook all the time! I love it when people take the time to leave a very personal comment on my blog - or even thank me for commenting on theirs - I love them both!
Aug 11, 2011 03:14 PM
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection
Deb love the post. I agree with you about commenting, sometimes it is overwhelming.
Aug 11, 2011 03:27 PM
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate
Deb, Totally agree ...For those of us who actually SELL real estate by getting off our butts and away from the computer I think we have all we can do to monitor our own posts and find it rather difficult to follow up on comments we have left on other's blogs. I make it a habit to monitor my posts but not to comment on every comment, that's just too time consuming.
Aug 11, 2011 03:36 PM
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX
Patricia, you have "great ramble" you know! Go for it!
Jeanean, thank you for such a high complement. I have mixed emotions about the whole thing and that's why I said I would try to try! When a person takes the time to actually discuss the post then it justifies a complete answer so I was not saying just ignore anyone! I'm just saying it's better for the commenter to visit the folks that do take time for those replies!
And, yes!
I do return to posts where I have placed a comment that I feel deserves a real discussion as I am doing now. My ramblings are just that....thoughts! I appreciate your comment and you know I will be over to see you!
Kathy, woohoo! Thanks for the highlight! I have so darned much to ramble about you have no idea. Talking to people here in the Rain is like visiting with all my friends!
Aug 11, 2011 04:28 PM
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX
Louise, that's funny! You really didn't miss too much except a bunch of us hooligens messing around on a Friday or Saturday night. Some of the posts hit in the hundreds of comments all goofy ones. It was fun although I do appreciate a more professional, level headed AR! I'm so glad to have you as a new friend!
Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer,,,you and I go way back! I still love seeing your bright smile and pretty face!
Carol, you and I have been here a long time haven't we? Cool. I love to get comments because it let's us know that people are reading us and that's the important thing here.
And, I want clients to read us too! We need to keep it clean! LOL....that is of course not difficult for me because I'm so perfect!
LMAO!
Aug 11, 2011 04:33 PM
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®
Debra: MOST people never check back. Patricia Feager does, VB does sometimes... and clearly Lynn does, but most people do not. Sometimes I do, like you said... if I am expecting an answer to which I plan on responding... but NOT to every post that I comment on all day. Who has that much time?
I do like to reply comment to comment on my posts when I can. But as you know, there is NO right or wrong here. You do what is right for you and we will too. Then things will be right well for all! :)))
Love the rambling post! Maybe Patricia and I will all imitate you! (What a compliment!) XO
Aug 11, 2011 04:49 PM
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender - Leesville, LA
Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA
Hey - I CHECKED BACK and thanks for commenting on my comment! Thanks for trying to make me feel better for missing all the fun....oh well, I'm in now - and I'm going to be following you girls - because I can tell that you know how to mix it up - I don't want to be left out!
Oh - and Deb - you don't have to comment on my comment to your comment to my comment.....uh.......whatever!
Aug 11, 2011 05:02 PM
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services
Unfortunately, I am Jewish, and riddled with guilt. I can't not answer every comment to show that it has been read. I even answer the well-thought-out "great post" comments. And, I really try and go back to each and every commenter and, again, try and comment, even it it's a listing. If it is a feature, I still answer all comments (guilt) but you can be sure I won't be visiting each and every blog. I actually did that in the beginning and I thought I was going to drop dead. Hey, each of us have to find our own way :)
Aug 11, 2011 06:13 PM
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods
Hi Deb, love your post, this is something I have been going back and forth on lately. I'm with you on clicking on other peoples profiles and blogs and reciprocating the comment, this is a practice I have been trying to do lately, but at the same time, I don't want people to come to my blog post and think that I didn't respond to comments left. Sometimes I like to see the reply to my comment from the original poster if I wrote something personal and funny in my comment to them, it's just a matter of remembering to go back and check it. Perhaps AR will figure out a way that when we respond to a comment on our post, some how we can be directed to that person's blog to comment on their post. That would be cool. I know it could get convuluted though. just my thoughts.
Aug 11, 2011 09:05 PM
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth
I like it when you ramble. Good stuff as always, and dump the guilty on commenting on commenting. Do it when you can, but when you are busy doing others things, that is cool too Deb.
Aug 12, 2011 05:15 AM
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Deb, You make some great points here so I hit the suggest button in hopes that you get this featured.
Aug 12, 2011 10:32 AM
KB Home - Fontana, CA
Cause We Like 'Em New ~ New Home Specialist!
Deb ~ great timing. I was searching through older comments to find people I wanted to thank and learn more about. I'm so happy I came upon your post today. I have worried about the protocol for answering comments. Two thumbs up to your suggestion.
Aug 12, 2011 01:12 PM
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager
Deb - I don't always check back, but when I have the time, I do, but should be better about this. I've read some of the old hijacked posts and they are a riot - it's like an online party. Love Kerrie's idea and her enthusiasm! Great post - Suggested of course!
Aug 12, 2011 04:40 PM
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX
Joni, most people don't but the few that do have a right to either be answered or to have a new comment from the poster. I'm just trying to find time for everything and to show appreciation where it's due.
Louise! It was fun but you are here now! So, we can kick up some of our own dust if we want to you know. Let me know if you have a plan! LOL...you are a cutie.
Jane you are too funny! Jewish makes you guilty like Catholics? Just be yourself and you can't go wrong my friend!
John, I so wish I could get to everyone! Everybody has contributions that need to be validated. I feel guilt when I read but don't comment. I try and read as many as possible and my fingers and thoughts just can't keep up.
Aug 13, 2011 02:07 PM
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX
Sylvia darlin', I know your thoughts! They make me dizzy!
Gary, I like the advice. I just hope everyone knows why it is we don't always get back to them. It's because there are only so many minutes in a day! I try I really try.
William, nope no feature. I suppose the information of my thoughts would stir contraversy! They do even for me! I just let the fingers go and see what's there afterwards...thank you dear.
Kristal this post does not set a precedence for a protocal!!!! We have to be polite and giving and enjoy each other. I just worry that if I am not always answering, a person may think we are not excited that they left a comment. I think each and every comment is important and am trying to figure out the best way to show it.
Kristine, thank you my friend! That is a wonderful comment to hear from you. Suggest does not always work. This is the best thing about posting though...hearing from friends! Thank you so much!
Deb
Aug 13, 2011 02:14 PM
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886
Hey Debb I do sometimes go back and get a back and forth conversation going on some posts. That ususally happens on weekends when I'm not so busy. It's fun. And I do try to respond to each comment - lately it's been a little harder to get back cause we're just so busy. But I try - as you say!! And Kerrie....well she's almazing!!
Aug 15, 2011 08:47 AM
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida
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