I thought it would be a good idea to do a series of articles that walk us through the ActiveRain Community Guidelines. I've encountered a number of members, both new and old, who were unaware that such guidelines even existed.
Earlier today, as I was driving around running some errands, I was thinking about this post, and how I wanted to effectively communicate with our members. Then, suddenly, I thought of that scene in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where Ben Stein is taking class attendance. "Bueller? Bueller?"....remember that scene? Trying to cover such material can tend to be rather daunting. I don't want what I write here to be dull and boring, or make any of you skip class!
When you go to the ActiveRain HomePage, down at the bottom of the page, in the gray bar, you'll find the link "About." Click on that, and you will find the link to the ActiveRain Community Guidelines.
Here's how it starts off:
Respect the Real Estate Industry
"ActiveRain is a place where real estate professionals can network with their peers and discuss industry insider topics. It is also a public forum where consumers can pull back the curtain and see what the real estate industry is really about."
The very first word in our community guidelines is the word "RESPECT." How appropriate that is should begin there. It seems like most everything that follows in these guidelines is built on a foundation of mutual respect.
Although this is a network for Real Estate Professionals, it is a public forum, and as such, can be accessed by consumers. Much of what we write can and will be seen by the public.
The Guidelines go on to say:
"Because of this level of transparency and openness, ActiveRain members must remain zealous in their quest to represent our industry in as true and professional of a light as possible."
The utmost Respect then, for our fellow professionals, and for the general public that we faithfully and diligently serve.
Let me state at this point that respect doesn't mean that we necessarily 'agree' on everything. We're a very passionate bunch. We have strong convictions and opinions. And blogging has a reputation for stirring controversy and heated debate. But having mutual respect means that we can 'agree' to 'disagree,' appreciate our differences, and conduct ourselves in a civil manner as true professionals.
Several years ago, I wrote a post entitled, "Give Peace a Chance: Changing the Mood of ActiveRain"
This amazing community can only reach it's full potential when we all learn to consistently demonstrate mutual respect for one another. In many ways, our attitudes and actions towards each other here will have greater positive impact on the viewing/reading public than anything we could ever write!
For the next installment in the ActiveRain Community Guideline Series, go HERE.
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