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The Power of the Blog

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with API Network

More common than not, I get people that just don't get the power of the blog.   What's the point?   Why bother?   I don't really know what to write...

Here's a really good example of when it just works.

Some local guy chases down a bad guy.  Catches bad guy, then gets fired for it.   The newspaper that ran the story didn't intend for it to become a firestorm of posts, but what a great example of how it works...

Yes, I actually did the trolling thing and tossed in some comments just to get some feedback.    Minutes later, I was called a TWAT!   How cool is that?!!   

I know that here in AR, the point is not supposed to be to TRY to get on home page to be "featured" and get hundreds of post points, but often it takes a real event with real people and really "honest" bloggers.   This, I'm guessing, it why reality TV is causing so much pain for the "real" Hollywood writers.

Anyway, here's the story:  (paraphrased/improvised so I can claim it as my own!)

John, local seafood worker at Texas-based Whole Foods in Ann Arbor is on break.  He's outside the store and hears a cry for help; his manager is chasing some guy who just ripped off a backpack full of products.   John gives chase and apprehends said (alleged) bad guy off of company premises.   John grabs his jacket, and places him under citizens' arrest which is legal in Michigan.   Manager finally arrives on scene and tells John to "release" so bad guy sprints to freedom.  Police arrive, bad guy ... he's gone.  John... they fire him for touching the customer. (with customers like this, how long can you stay in business?)

Bottom line:  Lots of them, but three is enough to give you my drift:

1.  Blogging works, often when you don't plan for it

2.  Chasing bad guys, may not always be good for career advancement

3.  Ann Arbor News should try WordPress and a faster server

I could go on and on, but that would keep you from reading this gem.

(I was poster kazmo... and yes, I pulled traffic back to ActiveRain! :) 

 

 

Comments(6)

Jabin Norris
CENTURY 21 Anne Arnold - Holden Beach, NC
Centurion 08null, Broker/Realtor, ABR, SRS, e-Pro
great point
Dec 28, 2007 12:47 PM
Ray Wilson
Meticulous Home Inspection Corporation - Bohemia, NY
NYS Licensed Home and Building Inspector
Good post Kasey. It is funny, but also sad that we get hurt when we try to help. Happy New Year! - Ray
Dec 28, 2007 12:49 PM
asdf zcxv
Keller Williams Realty - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Area Real Estate

Oh wow.  This story is now international!  Look it up folks!!  Our service members in the military are hearing about the story and posting to it.  This is huge.  Check it out!!

 

http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2007/12/grocery_worker_fired_for_stopp.html

 

I left the whole link in so you could see it is from our local paper, the Ann Arbor News. 

Dec 28, 2007 12:57 PM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Great post;  the firestorm surrounding this incident is proof of the power of the internet, as you say. 

I loved this part:  "The report says store employees were suspicious when the man walked into the store and they watched as he filled up a basket and then took it into a bathroom. When he came out, his basket was empty, but his backpack looked full. Then he filled up a canvas store tote bag with groceries, and walked out the door."

Uh, employees were suspicious...ya think?  ROFLMAO  I wonder how long it took for them to decide they were "suspicious." 

 

Dec 28, 2007 01:46 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate
I read this several times today because I google ann arbor blogs, it was coming in many times. You just never know do you. Wonder if it will hurt business? nah, Ann Arbor loves whole foods.
Dec 28, 2007 02:26 PM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!
Very interesting story.  Glad Missy pointed out your blog.  As a customer, I'd be a little wary of going into a store that "advertised" that illegal activity by it's customers would not be confronted.  Wow...amazing stuff.
Feb 09, 2008 03:37 AM