In Appreciation of How We Got Here
ActiveRain has been different things for different people over the years. As with any venture we undertake, you get out of something proportional to the investment you make in that venture.
I have had the good fortune to be a member of the platform long enough to remember the way it operated in the beginning. Blogging was not on the mind of all that were involved in real estate.
Marketing to get business or attention was somewhat alien to online enterprises and our spheres were geographically limited.
New concepts or styles were rare as people were reluctant to try something new and maybe lose an opportunity.
It was going to change as more and more people got confidence in computers and using skills to promote.
The Platform
A few 'geeks' and I use that term with great appreciation and affection sought to change business focus and came up with the idea of a master real estate blog platform. Their idea was to get a national platform and get an exchange of thoughts from real estate professionals across the country. Maybe a few well thought articles would help someone in another part of the country that was willing to expand their business, Outside of the Box. At the very least, this is how I saw it grow and can remember a couple of the founding names, and they can be found on the membership roster for those that are curious.
Teach the Willing
Not everyone got it easily, and to help, there were regional events called RainCamps.
These were intense and one needed to pay attention as a lot of information was offered, and rapidly.
Keywords, long tail searches, SEO hints, types of blogs, etc.
It was a few hours of offerings and there were heads bobbing, and hands writing as fast as possible and still it was somewhat confusing.
Information offered to be unique to a geographic area to allow individuals to be the best in their marketing areas with a concept that was still evolving.
Socialization
While working to learn at these Camps, the break times were when the gathered sought out people they only knew as a blog post, and as some of the posts seemed to relate, maybe a kindred spirit.
So many smiles and hugs, that would work to make the site stronger and lead to other thoughts to keep the feelings going.
Meet-ups
On select weeks through the year, the platform would encourage people to gather locally for a Meet-up and socialize. A mini version of the after-hours socials at RainCamps.
To entice the membership, points would be awarded for this attending as well as posting blogs.
These were popular and were always fun. Smiles, exchanging little tips on what they did to get business as well as maybe an adult beverage and a snack.
Again, there were always people hesitant to go, but once there, it was like a family gathering the faces were similar to what was alongside a blog post.
And Now
Times change, and while many want to see those old days return, it is beyond the reach unless one chooses to just offer a local meet and greet for comraderies.
So how can one get back to time with AR friends to chat a bit, maybe even learn something new and get that feel good sense that comes from a great bit of time sent with those that we see on the screen so often.
It's the Zoom call, and while many decry its time and date, there's no denying that were it for a RainCamp or even a meet-up, calendars would be changed.
The difference, this is in house and some even attend while driving safely, on their phones.
If you were here, before the ownership transitions, this is a post of memories. We can't go back, but the feelings don't have to change.
This is an entry for the February Challenge hosted by Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran.
In Appreciation of How We Got Here
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