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Confessions of a Carnival of Real Estate Host/Judge

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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carnival-of-real-estate.jpgAs many of you know, this weekend we’re hosting the 63rd Carnival of Real Estate. I would like to say that I am totally pumped about it, but honestly, I have mixed emotions. Seriously, each time I receive another carnival entry, I have a tiny panic attack. I continue to ask myself, who am I to opine on what is great, and what is not so great? In blogging, it is easy to skim and move-on, but this weekend I will have to read each entry and rank them- this is alien to me, this ranking you speak of. All of you that are on our blogroll are great, and I am sure there are another 100 that are equally as great, but if I were asked to rank them- forget it, there’s no way.

So, I promise to read each one, deeply, and pray that the greatest will simply rise to the top all by itself and then each one line up behind the first- just like good little soldiers.

I thought I would revisit a few of the previous C.O.R.E. hosts tonight to see what I could learn of how they established what great is, but I have a feeling I’m just going to have to wing this ‘ranking’ thing on my own. Here’s the list I’m running down tonight… join me, won’t you?

Read Previous C.O.R.E

I wish more real estate bloggers would use Twitter

Daniel Rothamel
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I wish more real estate bloggers would use Twitter

Twitter

I admit it. I am into the whole social media thing.

Facebook? Check.

LinkedIn? Check.

Twitter? Check.

I am a self-professed information junkie, so I find these sites fascinting. I have also found that they are a great way for me to stay in contact not only with my clients, but with other RE.net bloggers out there. I have met plenty of new bloggers and made some great contacts by using Facebook and LinkedIn. Twitter seems to be lacking a significant real estate voice, however. Sure, some of my favorite real estate bloggers have Twitter profiles (Greg, Joel, & Jim among them). The problem is, they don’t update them much, if ever. I think this is a real shame.

The bleeding edge

I started using Twitter a few weeks ago. I admit that I came in with a built-in bias against Twitter. To be honest, I find the stated purpose of Twitter (i.e. “What are you doing?”) pretty lame. I don’t think there are a lot of people out there who really care what I am doing at any given moment. I decided that I would try to follow 5 rules when writing my tweets. I didn’t want things to get boring.

In true Web 2.0-spirit, people have taken Twitter and turned into more than just countless status updates of millions of random people. It is truly a great place to find out what has captured people’s attention. All you have to do is seek out people who you find interesting and follow their tweets. It is a great way to stay on the bleeding edge of news and information.

Twitter has also established itself as a premier micro-blogging platform. It has been great for me because I can post links on Twitter that I find interesting, but that I don’t really have the time or inclination to use an entire blog post to discuss. There are plenty of other notable bloggers out there who are doing the very same thing. Sometimes following the tweets of others has inspired blog posts of my own. At the very least, Twitter has become a platform from which to launch discoveries into all sorts of things that I might have otherwise missed.

Real estate bloggers could benefit tremendously from using Twitter.

The micro-blogging aspect of Twitter could be very valuable to people like real estate bloggers, who I am sure have all kinds of great ideas, but not always the time to write about them. Let’s say that I read a great story about mortgage fraud, but I just don’t have the time to devote a full post to it. I can post the link on Twitter, and perhaps someone else who is following me will follow the link and write a post of their own. Even if that doesn’t happen, because bloggers tend to be more plugged-in to what is happening in the industry, Twitter would help everyone stay on top of the industry by offering instantaneous communication and dissemination of information. In a way, Twitter is a living uber-wiki.

The real estate bloggers that I know are all very smart and creative people. Twitter offers a convenient and efficient way to get their message out to not only the rest of the blogosphere, but also to the public as well. I am also confident that real estate bloggers could also come up with alternative uses for Twitter that would benefit us all, bloggers, clients and customers alike.

So, real estate bloggers, if you are reading this, head on over to Twitter and get going– the RE.net needs you!

I’m Bringing Sexy Back

April Groves
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girlthiking_thumb.jpgAnd probably no more real estate talk here than I do over at my place.

HA! Blogger Formally Known as “He who’s name must not be said” – got you! You thought you could invite the blogger that has been dubbed Top Notch but Not Real Estate by the famous Larry Cragun over here and I was just going to morph into a blogger suitable for Inmans top 26 (I saw you there Lani!) or Sellsius’ top 12 (sniff)?

Nope – not a chance! I may be the only Realtor in the whole blogosphere (hehe – Jay hates that word) that doesn’t blog about real estate – but I know people!

Guess what else I know? Business, marketing, networking, client relations. You can know every single thing you ever wanted to know about mortgages, contracts, home styles, NAR drama, and Zillow’s plot to take over the world – and you will still fail.

I am here to bring sexy back (I would get to clicking – I don’t know how much longer this article by Jeffery Gitomer will be up – but I got a copy if you miss it.)

Sexy is knowing that you are your own business. You are the CEO, COO, CFO, manager, secretary, gopher, and janitor. You are it.

Sexy is realizing that as a business owner, neither your budget nor your time are limitless. Your marketing plan better reflect that. Shiny, new, pretty bow on it versions of the same old crap is still crap. Trim the fat and figure out what works, what doesn’t, and get a plan.

Sexy is figuring out that your friends and family will only buy and sell real estate so many times in your career. And unless The Trump is your uncle, it won’t be enough to pay the bills. You have to meet people – new people. Translated – you must know how to walk across the room and say, “Hi, my name is…”

Sexy is understanding that we are as free market as it gets – our bills are paid when, and only when, a client decides to utilize our services. Guess what that means? Your client is your world – treat them like that. Got a client that you just can’t stand? Refer them and move on. Your reputation for shoddy service will not be worth the couple of extra bucks at closing.

Let’s get sexy!

Angels & Demons

John Harper
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2

You don’t have to be a genius to prefer angels over demons.

A while back in the same week we had a buyer from heaven and a buyer from hell contact us. Both buyers arrived via the lead generation mechanisms we have built into our website.

heaven_hell.jpgThe buyer from heaven is the nicest couple you could ever imagine doing business with – straight forward, personable, realistic and appreciative. In working with them, you feel the team spirit – it’s The Harper Team and the Buyer Team working as a smooth organism together. They were in escrow in less than 48 hours and it was a quick close.

Faith in the human spirit soars in such circumstances, one feels blessed just to meet such fine people.

enchilada1.jpgThe buyer from hell was a different enchilada. Young and in this country for less than 18 months, this buyer knew everything. Though he had never purchased a house here or in his home country, he new everything about real estate, mortgages and life. You couldn’t tell him anything. He burned out two mortgage brokers and was finally sent on his merry way to share his wealth of wisdom with the masses.

What I appreciated most about this whole experience was having it all happen in the same time period. It was just such a great contrast. In spite of all the frustration and grief provided by the emissary from hell, we wound up laughing a lot about it as he was just so over-the-top.

I guess if I was going to look for any genius in the experience it would be that old addage – This Too Shall Pass. Angels & Demons pass through our lives as do the masses in the middle – proving once again that life is not a destination but a journey.

Enchilada image from Digital Eel

Hello World, Goodbye Sock Puppet

Jonathan Dalton
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I just spent 25 minutes on Google trying to figure out which film critic threatened to quit if the producers of Police Academy made another sequel. They did. He didn’t.

It’s important that you know this is how I decided to make my splash here. Earlier today (or yesterday, for those reading from Nova Scotia), the esteemed Athol Kay threatened “to hang up my hat” if I ever joined one of these “shiny group blogs.”

As Ricky Bobby said, “Did that blow your mind because THAT JUST HAPPENED!”

I have a hunch our beloved Kiwi will weasel out by saying he only was going to hang up his hat, not his mangy toupee-wearing sock. Says Happy Harry H. in Pump Up the Volume, “So be it.”

Aside from the fact that I’m here because Benn felt sorry for me after I was left out of the cool kids’ club in the first round, bringing back fond memories of the 17 minutes I spent waiting to be picked for kickball, the bigger question I’m trying to answer is what am I going to bring to the table?

I already talk national on my blog as well as local, proving (at least to myself) that you can do so successfully. Though I can’t figure out why my Technorati ranking’s falling as my Feedburner subscriptions keep rising. So I don’t need an outlet.

Unless, of course, I make this the outlet where I kick it like Facemob and shout “F*** the (Trademark) Police” … know what I saying?

Maybe in time some of the more acerbic screeds will make their way over here. Just as maybe in time B.R. will find out I’m here mostly because I’m falling for Lani. I mean, who can’t love a gal who signs her e-mails, “OU Sucks.” Especially after they kicked some Bevo tuchas just this past weekend.

Ah, well … maybe it’s time for this champ to stop talking, sit out a few plays.

Until next time, I’m Jonathan Dalton. You stay classy, agentgenius readers.

Top 5 Ways Zolve.com Steals the Show

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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logo_wan.jpgRather than give you a top 10 reasons for this or that, I’m going to give Brian at Zolve.com the Top 5 Things to adjust on Zolve.com to get real professional interest in his network.

Last night I wrote a flippant review of Zolve.com and honestly, I had to take it down. Everything inside of me wanted to yell at the screen when I saw the price and I saw what you could (and even worse, what you could not) do with Zolve.com. I read the back story on Brian, how he is a successful real estate Broker just back from Iraq. I also read how the site was built while he was in Iraq, and he’s home in time to launch it- thank God for that.

I’ve opted to write something positive because this is someone in real estate (just one of us so-called “stupid Realtors”) who had the balls to actually DO something for the profession- and with some tweaking, he is in a position to steal the show. The question is, will he do it? Time will tell. I ask everyone who would dare complain about the site to take a deep breath and dive into their own blogs and comments where they challenged other industry leaders to lead- Brian should be celebrated, not beaten up- although I find no way to really disagree with many complaints of the site.

I promised Brian 30 days to knock out the wrinkles in Zolve.com’s threading and hope you will too. So without further ado here are my Top 5 Constructive Suggestions to Zolve.com

  1. Reduce the price to $99 first year, $ 249 the second year (if you really must charge at all) and remove the money back guarantee completely.
  2. Remove the beautiful lady on the front page, making her an option to the visitor.
  3. Remove subjective ratings completely- a referral is a referral, the rating isn’t necessary.

Now, those were just the Top 3 ‘duh’ suggestions, here’s the money shot:

  1. Leave blogging as an option- but build community wikis – sell area codes if you want, or hey- do it Zillow style for free. You have 100s of writers on Zillow communities answering questions to draw Zillow business simply because Realtors really have no where else to participate (besides Trulia). Give Realtors credit for participation if you wish- let their participation be their ranking so long as they’re participating in only their pre-chosen zip codes.
  2. Discussion Forums for Real Estate & Lending. Why leave this to outsiders?

*BONUS* Charge Realtors for advertising space & leave the profiles and direct referrals to the Lenders; these are the big corporate budgets you seek.

I give Brian Wilson the credit he deserves for taking a shot at the influx of venture capital companies invading real estate. As I said, he had the cajones to stand up and be counted. We as a profession should get behind ideas and make them Great Ideas.

Everyone Loves to Hate a Salesman

John Harper
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3

real estate salesmanI’m no genius, but you know it, I know it, the whole world knows it – we don’t want to be sold. Shysters, con men, snake oil salesmen, used car dealers and real estate agents – all they want is a quick buck at the other’s expense. They should all be lawyers!

I walk into Nordstroms looking for a Tommy Bahama shirt (for my next listing presentation), every four feet some salesperson asks me if I need help. I’m not tripping over my shoelaces, I’m not using my walker – what kind of help would I need? Thank god for the Internet where I can surf anonymously, live virtually, shop in a pest free environment, and avoid the pitfalls of human interaction.

I often wonder, what’s so difficult with saying – sure, what can you tell me about…

What holds us back? Where’s the threat with engaging someone paid to make our life easier? Vehix, Zillow, Expedia, Priceline and a great many more are attempting to make our lives easier. What’s a riot to me is that removing all human interaction from the process is one of their biggest selling points.

real estate spamerI think it is basically about boundaries and confrontation. Many people have difficulties setting boundaries, they find it difficult to say no, so they want to avoid situations where they have to. Or they feel that they will have to explain their decision to some complete stranger. Who wants to do that? Or they may have to get confrontational to get some rabid salesperson out of their space. Of course, there’s always the fear of being on “THE MAILING LIST,” that infuriating source of endless spam and annoyance.

Okay, you get the feel of it, here’s my point – I don’t know of any professional real estate agent that wants to hassle or annoy people. It’s bad for business. It creates ill will. If a real estate agent is bugging you or spamming you, call their broker and ask the broker to please call off the dogs.

You’re the client (or potential client) YOU’VE GOT the POWER – use it! Use it effectively. Don’t be anonymous, be the driving force in the process.

Buying a house is a complex process. Look at it as a series of steps toward an end. Gathering information and choosing an agent are important steps. Before I got into real estate, I purchased and sold a half dozen houses as I moved the family around the country. Every Realtor I worked with was a treasure trove of good information, advice and assistance. Why, because that is what I wanted – I GOT TO CHOOSE. You do to.

You don’t have to be a genius to choose a good real estate agent, but it does involve human interaction.

Post by John Harper

Agent Genius ‘Brings it to You’ With Fresh New Faces & Perspective

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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realtors-real-estate-agents1.jpgIt’s true, agentgenius.com has expanded with a new and exciting bunch of writers, rainmakers, marketers, Realtors, and all around troublemakers. You can expect to see a cool blend of writing styles & perspectives on everything from social networking, real estate drama, disruption (anti-distortion), technology, how-to, mortgage truth, & more…

Agent Genius is proud to welcome its new writers and knows what this hip & talented group will bring to the real estate conversation. Our policy is ‘no holds barred’ opinion & analysis, so buckle your RSS seat belts, put your seats and tray tables in their fully upright position, because we’re about to ‘bring it to you.’

Agent Genius Writers

Jonathan Dalton Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Century 21
DaltonsAZHomes.com

Daniel Rothamel Charlottesville, VA
Realtor & Referee
www.realestatezebra.com

Carson Coots Houston, TX
Web 2.0 Marketing
www.realestateremix.com

April Groves Savannah, GA
Realtor, Century 21
www.aprilgroves.com

Shailesh Ghimire Phoenix, AZ
Resident Mortgage Guru
www.azmortgageguru.com

John Harper Danville, CA
2.0 Real Estate Rainmaker
www.theharperteam.com

Kelley Koehler Tucson, AZ
Realtor, Long Realty
www.housechick.com

Zolve.com- I’m giving it a second look

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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logo_wan.jpg

I’m going to give Zolve.com a little more thought and a second look tomorrow… until then.

What’s A Blog? Consumer Reaction Says it All.

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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4

family_guy_2.jpgMany folks tout blogging as a part of Web2.0. Many of those same people have convinced the main stream that in order to succeed, you must ease your site ‘copy’, get shiny, change your colors and forget selling anything- we have to educate. I’ve even heard many say that to not follow this new thread of thinking will leave you behind in the dust.

It is all a fabrication in my opinion. Web 2.0 is nothing but a label placed on something investors blew off several years ago. I believe it’s a hype to increase values of technology companies. Why do I believe that? Austin is said to be the “silicon valley of the Midwest” and with a phrase like that, you would think more folks would know what a blog is. In fact, you would think that most of the advertisers in the Midwest would know what exactly web2.0 is. The reality is that everyday average folks have no idea what in the heck a blog or web2.0 is. Nor do they understand it.

When I look at it from a know-nothing position, I have to agree. I can understand the confusion that there’s been a sudden change, but no one bothered to take the consumer with them. Think about that from a marketing perspective- change in marketing is normally driven by consumer demand; doesn’t it stand to reason if they demanded it, they would understand it? The answer is a simple yes. In the case of Web2.0, techies demanded it- techies wanted to illustrate their spin on how the market should bear out, and we let them, we even helped fan the flames.

Should we follow tech demand? Yes. But we as businesses we should find a happy middle, not swing completely one way or the other. Change with consumers is gradual, not overnight, and in the race to be different, we shouldn’t leave the consumer behind- or jump off a bridge because a heavily leveraged venture company said so, and not to please Google.

Update: This is what you give up by buying into all things internet. This is what is lost in web2.0. This is what people who are serious about real estate need to keep in focus. This is the concept that wins, no matter how shiny your website or avm is…

Greg’s solution? Address the problem head-on. Go beyond where I had gone, which was to justify my need to know: Acknowledge that I’m in sales. Ask whether the client/prospect has had a bad experience with a salesperson and listen to the response.

Bravo Cathleen for asking the right questions and delivering relationship-centric ideas. Relationship2.0 has been here 1,000 years, beta tested and true.

Lets Talk Viral Marketing

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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1

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Okay, Inman News- if the NY Times can?

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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1

Inman NewsOur former site & the request by NAR to c&d use of the domain got a bit of attention yesterday around the blog world, complete with news coverage by Inman News. I’d love to tell you it was a fantastic article (it really was a fantastic article) and you should go read it, but if you’re not subscribed and paying a fee, you’ll see this:

NAR requests name change for RealtorGenius blog

Blog creator considers future options for Web site

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

By Glenn Roberts Jr.
Inman News

SUBSCRIBE NOWand gain immediate access to this article, the full Inman News archives and more!

Now, I would also love for our content here at agentgenius.com to be so prized that I could charge hard cash for you to read it, but honestly, anything I might say is probably already being thought of and written about by another blogger across the country. My point is- newspapers cost money, no one wants to pay to subscribe, so they moved the content online- great! Thing is, no one wants to pay for it online either!

A deeper question to be asked is, if you are getting revenue from advertisements, then why are you double dipping on pay-per-subscription? I have all of the respect in the world for Brad Inman and his team at Inman News, and read the blog like an addict on the pipe, and I would probably read the news stories at the same pace if it didn’t require a marital (access to my credit card) commitment.

Inman is not the only news service that is guilty of pay-per-view news- biz journals is also guilty, and that is so annoying, but I pay it because I absolutely have to. I suspect in the very near future they will move to content levels that are free and charge for premium services. I hope the same of Inman- I promise to click every ad on the page, Brad!

Now, some of you might be saying I’m just being cheap, but with the credit crunch, the bursted bubble, lender meltdown, interest rate squeeze, and every other negative headline related to real estate dragging down the market, I’m just lookin’ for a bone! How about the Sunday poor agents special subscription extravaganza, Brad? =] I know it won’t happen, but hey, someone had to ask!

(the NY Times can’t even give that stuff away)

Draw Your Line In Our Sand- NAR

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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registered.jpgAthol made a comment that we’re tiny compared to NAR.  While this may be true, we are not afraid of NAR.  We’ve had four law firms offer to take on the NAR on our behalf (pro bono) that believe the case could be won and/or resolved in our favor.  I for one have never been afraid to fight the good fight, but in this case, having directly asked NAR legal if there was any remedy that would allow realtorgenius.com to remain open, the answer was a swift ‘no.’  NAR was made aware that I would allow the chips to fall where they may where public relations were concerned, NAR was not concerned.  I simply agreed to discontinue use of the domain, and will. 

Here is the positive & where you can take the stand many of you have asked me to take:  with all of the publicity and having NAR legal & Public Relations’ full and upright attention, I’m inviting you to speak out in this thread.  The entire post & comments in their entirety will be sent to NAR Legal, Inman News , Bloodhound Blog, & NAR Public Relations with no exception.  You can speak on any issue, including trademark infringement, commissions, lack of health & life benefits, MLS control, or any other issue you see fit.  We will moderate offensive language, or unprofessional off topic remarks only.  Your name can be anonymous or public, that is your choice.  Your private information will not be released to anyone.

Sincerely,
artist fka “Real**r Genius”

NAR Just Says “NO” to real**genius.com

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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32

realtorlogoApparently the use of the word Re***or in any fashion can be shunned for almost any reason- especially trademark violations.  NAR has contacted us and asked us to formally end the use of this domain & I would assume any variation of the word ***ltor even though I am a member.

  • rea****genius.com was designed to speak about the genius of real****, not my personal genius.
  • the site is about technology, the influx of technology, and inspiring positive conversation

I will comply fully with NAR because I see no reason not to.  It is what it is- we’re just everyday folks with every day lives.

It was a lot of fun while it lasted as the site has won several awards judged by its peers and is proud of that fact. 

We’ve not decided whether to move it, or just /close the domain.  More to follow in the following days.

UPDATE:

  • please update your blogroll to reflect the correct url https://agentgenius.com  we would certainly appreciate it.  Thanks.
  • The old site will continue to redirect here for 3 months per NAR

Am I the Only One Who Wishes Yahoo Would Go Under?

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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3

mybloglog-logo.png…as in out of business? I loathe Google, but if I had to pick the lesser of two evils, I’d pick Google over Yahoo every time. I guess I need to fire my assistant as I did not get a memo that Yahoo would stick its hands up MyBlogLog.com’s backend (pardon the pun). Seriously. If I’m the only one who says hands off of my Internet tools (you Yahoo morons), then so be it. But Yahoo, please- don’t buy anything else unless yahoo-logo-735610.jpgyou’re keeping your widgets out of their Facebooks.

I don’t want a Yahoo account. I especially love how once you were on Yahoo’s account mashup of the two, the ‘copy’ changed to an assumptive posture as if I had somehow asked for this. I even had to agree to their stupid terms! Well, let me give you a few terms yahoo, **** ***! myblogblog blog will delete this trackback but at least you heard what I had to say. thanks for nothing. I cannot think of a single thing Yahoo has ever gotten right, even on the 5th try.

Endless “Just Listed” Emails – think before you click

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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11
  • Just listedemail.gif
  • Price Reduced
  • Pre-MLS offer
  • Reduced Again
  • Open House

Those are just a few excuses to send endless listing emails to my inbox. This got me to thinking- after the sweetdigs debacle and the argument about reviewing others listings at open houses, isn’t an email as listed above permission to market an agents listing in whatever way I see fit? I think it is.

I’m thinking I’ll be reviewing the emails that come to my inbox unsolicited on our site. These emails come to our domain into my inbox which I believe gives me the right to to use the images, verbiage, face pictures as I see fit. So think before you slam dunk my inbox with five emails on a single day, only to have another agent in your office do the same thing.

My suggestion is that a team should create a hotlist and do a single email maybe bi-weekly or monthly, but if not, I will begin saying it as I see it. Market to me at your own risk.

Points I will Review

  • Photography
  • Verbiage
  • Layout
  • & whatever else I see fit.

What say you?

Britney Spears New Video- Gimmie More

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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1

Enjoy!

Sometimes Getting the Death Flu (aka allergies) is a Good Thing

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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1

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Carnival of Real Estate (& Geeks) Posted – Genius Gets Dynamite Award

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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4

geek.jpgI’m happy to accept the Geek Award & “Best of” Award, although this weeks C.O.R.E entries were all really good. Thanks for the read and the notice!

So head over to geekestateblog.com to see the results of the 56th C.O.R.E. & or read our winning entry here.

On a personal note, thanks to C.O.R.E & Odysseus awards both for continuing to raise the bar in blogging.

What Inspires – continued

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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0

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Ditech – People are Smarter Than You Think – Television “web 2.0 Please Don’t”

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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At first glance, Ditech came up with a pretty far out campaign to support their television web2.0 rebrand.

ditech-008.jpg

But when it comes time to look at the small print, they took it to a whole ‘nother level – small print in a ridiculous font that even on my almost 60″ high def television screen you can’t read. On pause and sitting directly in front of it you might be able to make out a word, but most consumers will not be able to read their print.

ditech-004.jpg

Now I don’t know about you, but when discount brands go around screaming transparency, why would anyone approve of small print that cannot possibly be read? Why would you allow a commercial to run that would put consumers in the dark? I, for one, am not impressed- just another large corporation posing as something they aren’t. It gets worse…

ditech-006.jpg

Here it is in blue, up close and personal. Thank goodness they put the lending logo there, otherwise the blurry print may scare consumers to fear their television is on the blink.

In case you aren’t convinced:

ditech-104.jpg

Just horrible. Ditech has to know there is a fear and credibility issue in the marketplace regarding lending right now, and they’re so in a hurry to get their web 2.0 style television campaign on the air that someone obviously failed to actually inform Ditech about what web2.0 is really about.

My suggestion- take this campaign off the air now. Lose the idea of a man sawing things in 1/2 and apologize to the industry for saying “yes” to such a horrible campaign- and get your money back or at least a discount.

And by the way, that “People are Smart” tag line you’re using? Flush that too. I’ve asked ten people what they thought of that tagline, and 10 out of 10 asked said the same thing- “uh, yeah?” As if you just figured out that people are smart and maybe you should respect them after all this time? And what’s with Colonel Sanders in 3D glasses?

People are smart – let’s see if they bother to read this blurry small print… suckers. But what do I know, I’m just a silly consumer.

I do like the music though.

Quit Yer Yarping & Talk Solutions Already – Raise My Bar by Raising Yours

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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19

455244.jpgGreg Swann had a really great point in this week’s Odysseus post regarding being able to answer questions in relation to your value. Hardcore criticism in a blog can do that- “practice you” per se, but does it really? Sure, if the goal post isn’t a transient target. So I wanted to write this to take Greg’s point one step further and I hope, beyond.

I’ve spent a lot of time reading post after post regarding many issues around the blog-o-whatever, and honestly, there isn’t much original thought out there. Most of them are attacks on folks (indirectly of course) that set a comment section on fire. It is a lot of fun to do, and yeah, we’re all guilty of it in some fashion, but not nearly on the level some are doing this.

Writing a post attacking something that people are passionate about is very likely going to get you attention- no names are mentioned, the statements are broad and generalized, and explode much like a verbal pipe bomb. They cut people in so many directions that defending yourself is futile. You’re going to be hit if you’re in the line of fire. How is this a sincere challenge? It isn’t. It no more teaches or instructs, than a swift kick to the face. What is wrong with this method of writing is that there is nothing constructive to gain from it, especially for consumers.

I, for one, am getting really bored of the nameless attacks. I see no real value in educating the ignorant unless the ignorant are willing to hear and understand, and engage realistic solutions. That is what is missing in the blog world and why technology blogs garner so many comments to posts related to How Tos; they’re constructive. They answer a need, a question, and the opportunity to grow in your own interest. I see the overwhelming success of Zillow’s Forums & Wiki and can gather that information is in high demand. Does your blog post answer the demand? Some do. Others do not.

Are you inventing new and innovative technologies for consumers? Are you redesigning a business model from the ground up and offering it up as a solution? Are you spending your day gathering facts that would help another in your profession grow their own business? Are you offering an idea for a product that enhances an industry? Are you evaluating the above for your reader? If your answer is no, then you may want to evaluate whether blogging is for you because flaming the choir is a waste of everyone’s time and energy.

My last thought is this- many flamers hide behind the veil of “blogging for the consumer.” But the consumer doesn’t want chaos, confusion, a verbal fist fight, or anything like that (they have television for that). They want ideas and solutions- they want to be inspired. The Realtors that read you want very much the same. I want to read far out ideas with crazy today solutions- I know I am not alone in my feelings as I’ve had many conversations with peers on this subject.

So, if you’re looking for ideas to write about, here are a few:

  • How do we organize and speak to NAR and be heard in a constructive way?
  • How do you envision your real estate practice in year 2010?
  • Comparing business models and what positives they all have
  • Your idea of your value to the consumer
  • What are the dangers of RE Forums to consumers (ie. fair housing, facts versus opinions)

How to blog and engage rather than incite:

  • Narrow your scope in what you target
  • Use facts to base your point, not rhetoric
  • Accept arguments and use them to build solution
  • Find the middle
  • Offer suggestions in regards to a reader’s personal growth
  • Never make a comparison that is not based in fact
  • Never insult those you claim to be teaching
  • Offer a realistic solution in place of destructive observations
  • Never speak from both ends

Inspirational things consumers are drawn too:

  • Redfin
  • HGTV
  • TLC
  • The Discovery Channel
  • Social Networks & People Talk
  • Technology
  • Innovative ideas

There will be a few readers who may be offended by what I’ve said here and that is unfortunate. My intention is to simply raise the bar, even in my own writing. Anyone can criticize anything, that’s easy, the question really is- do you have what it takes to put up solutions even if they may be torn apart? That’s the post readers will engage every single time and just as hot as a flame job.

What inspires you?

Odysseus Medal Winners Posted

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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winnertheodysseusmedal.jpgGreg Opines on this weeks winners, it was a great stack of entries, happy reading!

Carnival #55 Posted- Congratz!

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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drew1.jpgPictured is Drew w/Zillow in his hip casual carnie attire – stylin & profilin as always. Those cigars though, yuk, you should quit that! 😉

So go on… go see the winners!

Superbad Review! Hillarious, Not For The Faint of Heart!

Ben Rosales, Founder & Publisher
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Here’s the trailer, check it out!

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