Hypocrisy …
EXTERIOR, DAY … MILD-MANNERED BRUCE BANNER’S SHIRT BEGINS TO RIP APART AS HE TURNS A GREEN HUE. EXTRAS SCRAMBLE FOR COVER …
“That does not mean, however, that we should avoid having the conversation just because there are those who would take it as a personal affront to their income earning ability.”
It’s laughable to think that any outsider believes they have the slightest impact on what I earn as a real estate professional. The personal affront I feel for Inman News’s commission series comes not for what it could mean for my bottom line but rather what it does to my own gag reflex. In a word, it’s tacky. In a few more words, it’s the type of invited non-news item that caused me to pack my journalism degree and withdraw to the toy department as a free-lancer.
“As we all know, there are times when our industry needs some prodding towards innovation and discovery of new models/strategies/tactics that are beneficial not only to the professionals, but to the consumers as well.”
Absolutely agreed. So bring on the innovation (and kindly do so without the venture capital, if you please) and see if the market supports the changes. Either you end up being New Coke or Coke Zero. Duh-duh-da-duh-duh-duh. (Or maybe even Tab … completely forgotten in your uniqueness but still on the shelves, albeit with three inches of dust on the top of the cans.)
“I see no reason why compensation should be looked at any differently than subjects such as agency or technology.”
Fine by me. So let’s discuss compensation. Daniel … Jeff … Brad … which one of you would like to be the first to post the figure from last year’s W-2 in the comments?
Anyone?
EXTERIOR, EARLY EVENING: SHIRTLESS BRUCE BANNER WALKS SLOWLY AWAY AS MELANCHOLY MUSIC PLAYS
Jeff Bernheisel
February 23, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I’m game.
$50k
I did the whole 1099 thing for years as a mortgage broker. I had killer years, and I had painful years. Trust me, I get where you’re coming from.
I like to keep things simple. Mostly for my sake…
My “official” opinion is this:
At the end of the day, if a client is comfortable and willing to pay 3-6-7-10-whatever percent, then let them. Whatever is negotiated between the parties is their business.
So, Jonathan… When will you do a guest perspective for us?
Jonathan Dalton
February 23, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Daniel’s extended the offer previously, Jeff. And I appreciate it in both cases. But it seems inconsistent for me to contribute to a series whose very underpinnings I object to.
Jeff Bernheisel
February 23, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Well, we’re always open for discussion about it…
Personally, I think it’d be great to get some new perspectives on the matter. But, we’re ending the “commissions” discussion in the next couple days.
So, I guess I’ll look forward to the conversation our next topic generates.
…and, I’ll see you in the lobby of Connect SF!
Ines Hegedus-Garcia
February 24, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Can I have some green cupholders please? 😉
Jeff Bernheisel
February 24, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I almost overnighted you some of those “Hulk Smash” gloves yesterday…
But since we’ve never met, (and you don’t know how I’m a pretty big prankster), I wasn’t sure how you’d take that. 🙂
Ken Brand
February 25, 2009 at 8:10 pm
The internet and it’s powers are the greatest thing ever. Businesses, perspectives, conversations, friendships all at our fingertips.
Cool.