Thankful doesn't even describe how much friendships mean to me on ActiveRain. The local and not so local mean so much to me!!
I can still remember when Rain Camp came to Scottsdale. I'd never heard of it, but definitely had the time to attend. The housing market was still spiraling down and time was something I had plenty of to attend an event on what I thought was about social media.
"Social media" was putting it lightly. The room was full and many were signing up to join ActiveRain after hearing the presentation by Brad Steward. I signed up as I could see the benefit, but didn't jump right in. I had a topic I felt worth writing, but no idea how to write an article. So my first post on February 18, 2009, "Being Green in a Recession" was born! Ten agents commented and I was thrilled. Okay so the 10th is Carol Williams commenting on my 10th anniversary! But hey - I felt accepted. Just seeing others reading what I wrote was exciting.
In 2009, the Phoenix metro area had over 56,000 homes for sale! In comparison, today we have just over 20,000! Short sales were taking months to sell in 2009 and the ensuing foreclosures were selling for a fraction of what it would take to build them. It was a crazy time and many of us were riding the housing recession wave but definitely had time to learn about a new phenomenon called "blogging."
Through it all, ActiveRain has endured. Through the good times, the bad times and the crazy times! Friendships have thrived and endured the times!
Thank you to so many wonderful friends. I will miss someone if I try to list all of you. You have meant the world to me so many times. Times I'd be blogging at 10 pm at night, just to finish one more post. Through times that were slow. Just reading your posts has meant the world to me. Everyone shares what is important to them, writing about their city, restaurants, events and sharing wisdom. It's fascinating considering all of the different terrains, real estate markets, and practices!
You all are my buddies and I hope to meet you in person some day! A recap of some photos:
Muaw, Rob Clang, Anna Banana, Nancy Laswick, and Katharine Whiting.
Tom Tischer, Anna Banana, Richard Bazinet
In the beginning our meetups included sponsors!
And I know you all have seen these featured friends before!
Such wonderful ActiveRain friends back in the day that may not be "active" bloggers.
This group is on repeat until we meet again! Cheers to a wonderful celebration of friendship.
Thank you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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