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Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

The Anononymous "Blue Head" is like waving a red cape in front of a bull to many of us. Real Estate is supposed to be a career of honesty and being anonymous is not giving "full disclosure" thus many see it as an act of dishonesty in it self.

Mar 14, 2019 10:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

I agree with you, if the questions themselves are reasonable and meaningful. They do deserve an appropriately sincere response. 

You also bring up some good points about why someone might ask questions anonymously a few I had not considered, particularly your last point about not wanting to influence replies by who you are. I wonder how many people have made 'surly' replies to someone they know well. I guess we have to consider the anonymous question might come from someone we know ;-).

I know I am sometimes guilty of adding a jibe when replying to anonymous questions but try to avoid overdoing it when the question itself seems to have merit regardless of the source.

Mar 14, 2019 10:34 AM
Ambassador
5,229,290
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I agree - there's a time and a place for anonymous questions - for sure. There's really no reason to chastise those asking the question because they want to remain anonymous. The answers often let the world see who those leaving the answers are as well.

Conversely, there are some anonymous responses from the person asking the questions that are just as rude.

I think if those who must ask questions without identifying themselves would explain why they are asking anonymously, that would curb the sarcastic answers. 

Mar 14, 2019 11:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

For the same reason that Elizabeth Warren just chastised people who cheated to get into college.
POINTS! 😎

Anonymous questions have a place.

Not anonymous on purpose cuz y'alld know it's me anyway. 💋💋💋

Mar 14, 2019 10:28 AM
Ambassador
1,452,619
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

That is one of the main reasons I stopped visiting the Q & A section and only pop in from time to time now.  There are too many members who feel they rule this domain.  Their way or the highway!   It is NO ONES business why a person chooses to be anonymous.  A question gets asked, perhaps by someone new testing the waters and they get jumped on by far too many whom I feel should know better.  We are forever hearing how this business can be managed in a multitude of ways yet, here in the Rain, too  many expect us all to be the same.  I don't like the snarkiness and never have.  As an adult, there is ZERO reason for it.  I've had people tell me they couldn't stay members because it was like being back in Grade/Middle School again. 

Mar 14, 2019 02:06 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,260
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

They need to remove the points to help clean up the Q&A section. Until then, it will continue to be a points driven section. 

Or, eliminate the Q&A feature and focus on blog content. We usually do not see 'Surly' remarks in blog comments.

Mar 14, 2019 01:19 PM
Ambassador
2,178,433
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Most of it has to do with the fact that students of a specific real estate licensing school are told to ask the same questions over and over and over and over and over. What needs to be taught is how to do searches for the info they want and to actually read the amazing variety of valuable information provided in the blog posts by experienced agent. 

And, we don't understand why a sincere and legitimate question would be posted anonymously. 

Mar 14, 2019 10:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,349
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I would say because much of the spam posted here is done anonymously.

Mar 14, 2019 10:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,456,325
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Well for an anonymous question this hit a nerve if you asked me... my attitude is I do not answer blind phone call because the person can leave a message and leave their number as a courtesy.... just as I do not answer anonymous questions out of the principal, if a person can not take the courage to identify themselves I do not need to respond .  So with that said consider this as a first for me:))As to the rude comments welcome to Social Media it allows Jackasses a voice no matter if it is FB or AR...Endre

Mar 14, 2019 11:20 PM
Rainmaker
787,902
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

This question strikes me as genuine and clearly stated, yet some still find it rude and unworthy. 

An anonymous poster shouldn't have a higher burden of having to state their reason for anonymity;  a question should rise or fall on its own merit.

Ironically, members often advocate for the Golden Rule, or skipping a question they can't positively respond to.....but want to censure anonymous posts and justify odious comments.  Go figure.

 

Mar 14, 2019 04:50 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Some still don't realize that there are legitimate reasons for posting anonymously.

Mar 14, 2019 02:39 PM
Rainmaker
757,885
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Some would say this question is judgemental or rude. Let's give credit where credit's due. A lot of good answers are given out here & a lot of people have walked away feeling helped. While your experience may have been otherwise how do we know what the context of the inquiry was. Some anonymous posters are very rude, acting like they are entitled to an answer. How can we judge the situation when we have no idea what happened to cause your distress. A one-sided opinion posted in Q&A isn't exactly a strong argument. I think the Anonymous profile has been associated with less than credible spammers & students who repeat the same question over & over. Because many are not an active part of this community they may not realize that. Get involved in the community & maybe you will learn something. 

Mar 14, 2019 01:35 PM
Rainer
374,987
Libby Cousins
Extraordinary Processing - Spokane, WA
Contract Mortgage Processor, licensed in WA

I don't understand why people respond they way they do when it is rude. If I don't have something nice to say, I generally don't answer the question. 

You have brought up valid reasons to post a question anonymously. Maybe that will change the way some respond. 

Mar 14, 2019 01:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I can only think of one instance where anonymity is desireable and that's when it involves the act of giving.

Mar 14, 2019 12:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Anonymous is suppored to serve those who have a real/genuine question and need assistance with a perceived problem in a real estate business.  They are also posted for members only.  Most of the anonymous question are not. 

The Q & A section responses are based on the intent of the anonymous or the person posing the question.  What you attract in form an answer is exactly the reaction that someone perceives will answer you...What you put out, you get back...So think carefully as to what you put out, if you don't want to have Snarkiness back.  A

Mar 14, 2019 10:43 AM
Ambassador
6,392,899
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I am disappointed in these rude responses, says a lot about the person.

Mar 14, 2019 10:26 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

Perhaps when one wishes for others to "give" away the benefits of their time and experience - part of the "pay' to know who they are helping.

Also real estate is best delivered in a transparent manner - buyers, sellers, agents don't get to make anonymous offers or sign paperwork anonymously.  Straw clients are frowned on.

And of course, there is a time and place for every tool. Including anonymous questions.  Above is perhaps a possible reason for less than polite answers.

The sooner one gets over worrying about what others think about them the better business and life they will have. Go for it.

Mar 14, 2019 07:08 PM
Rainer
52,597
Krista Jenkins, REALTOR®
klm Real Estate - Lubbock, TX
Residential sales and retail & office leasing

In my opinion, there is no legitimate reason for responding rudely to an anonymous question even if the question is insincere and unreasonable. Being snarky is a choice. Who are we to speculate on the person's reason for anonymity? Just scroll on by.

Mar 14, 2019 05:26 PM
Rainmaker
1,310,972
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

If a question is sincerely asked there is no reason to be Anonymous.

What tires and vexes some AR regulars is the incessant repetition of the same lame questions. Yes...the askers may be asking for the first time, but answers have been given many times...until some members see red when a Blue Head pops up.

Mar 14, 2019 09:41 PM
Ambassador
5,048,718
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

There often ARE good questions asked anonymously, and I wonder if there is a good reason for this, or not. As Debe Maxwell, CRS suggests providing a reason for anonymity might be a good idea. Sometimes the anonymous questions are spammy and deserve the response they get.

Mar 14, 2019 02:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

 you give us a name and a face, and we'll give you the proper answer.... 

there are many Utah real estate school students who post a photo and have a name.... they ask a question and explain they're students.... we give them a reasoable answer....

Mar 14, 2019 11:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Depends on the anonymous question. Much of it is spam.

Mar 14, 2019 11:33 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,698
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

People have good days and bad days. Sometimes anonymous questions get snarky answers just like the other questions. Life goes on

Mar 14, 2019 11:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,588
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Why do you post as anonymous? We don't bite

Mar 15, 2019 11:05 AM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I've actually done it a few times when I was protecting a client and wanted opinions and I've never gotten a rude response.

Mar 14, 2019 09:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,025
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Generally, I try to answer accordingly to a anonymous question. However, many anonymous questions are repeated same questions

Mar 14, 2019 08:08 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I try not to be nasty....

Mar 14, 2019 07:17 PM
Rainmaker
805,799
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

I think have a lot of good answers. 

Mar 14, 2019 03:45 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

You raise a point that deserves answers...Lets see what is said

Mar 14, 2019 01:52 PM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

You get a lot of answers here and they make sense.

Mar 14, 2019 01:22 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

There are many questions asked again and again and again... if the questioner checked archives they could quickly get their answer without posting a question. And often you can see that it's a rote question with no real thought about it and why it's being asked. I never mind answering a genuine question or helping someone, but I don't want to do someone's thinking for them.

Mar 14, 2019 01:12 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Because such a person has self-identified as a TAKER and not a giver.

It takes very little effort to create a fake profile, but takers are too self-fish to make such a minimal effort.

So, get a profile or TAKE IT LIKE A MAN.

Mar 15, 2019 05:24 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

The Q&A is where the sharks circle tighter. The First Amendment at its best.

Mar 15, 2019 06:41 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

Some think this is social media and being rude is the norm for social media.

Mar 15, 2019 05:33 AM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Good question. 

Mar 15, 2019 09:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,858
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Because the anonymous feature is often abused, as it was with the "Red Flags" question.  The use of that feature is only for questions regarding active deals or situations with other agents/brokers/companies that need to be addressed but privacy is needed.  It is not for the asking of school questions.

Mar 15, 2019 08:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

BD

Mar 15, 2019 08:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Some will be snarky no matter what you do.

Mar 25, 2019 11:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,556
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Well what are you afraid of to let us know who you are.

 

Mar 17, 2019 11:28 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

It may be that the same questions are asked it gets old

Mar 16, 2019 06:43 PM