The REality
This entity we call Agent Genius consists of hundreds of contributions a day, not only in posts, but in commentary, not to mention the thousands of folks we reach weekly, monthly and soon to be annually.
The contribution that all of you (which includes all of the above) make to this profession is felt, it does make an impact and if we do nothing else here at Ag, we respect that.
With That Respect Comes Complicated Decisions
We (as the moderators) have a responsibility to the greater audience to keep our hands out of the organic mix and allow things to grow until they cease to grow any longer- then it becomes our responsibility to make decisions that nurture, and sometimes they’re not easy decisions to make.
We’ve built Ag from the ground up with our bare hands, it is a labor of love I assure you- many have commented to this fact many times even here on Ag at just how much work goes into something that really gives little payback in the form of money- I assure you, this is no lasseiz-faire activity.
Ag has many times come at a high price to even our own family, and daily lives as our clients must rank just as high as Ag does on our shoulders in priority- you would be on task to imagine many many sleepless nights managing and grooming such a large venture, but it is all worth it when you receive things like this by email:
I’m loving what I see all around me. I was excited about real estate, but now I’m finding myself REALLY excited. There’s lots of cool things happening that I think will change real estate for the better (Ratespeed? FREAKING awesome to see that kind of transparency in the mortgage business) and I want to be a part of it all. I give thanks to you and the help/introductions you’ve given me. –Matthew Stigliano
Ag is bigger than just one individual, we’ve always understood that- and when you read notes like the one above, it really hits home how important it is to make the decisions we make to remain on task and on point.
The Business of Finding Greatness
We make decisions sparingly that cause confrontation, it is in the Ag nature to find the middle and teach about it. We’re not in the business of highlighting failure, we’re in the business of reaching for and finding greatness. We do it in a superhuman way, one that describes our own failures but in turn demonstrates a willingness to continue to try, adapt, and change using every possible tool at our disposal. Our contributors are living breathing examples of what they teach, and continue to lead the way adopting new tools, technology, and strategies to make our business better.
It is always regrettable when something meant in good spirit and good fun effects good people in bad ways and when we recognize it, we’re going to fix it. Our mission is to quickly find the middle and move exactly to the most logical course to complete the mission we set out to achieve while remembering that there is a human being on the other side of every screen and at the other end of every speculation.
To those that know us, and our heart, we thank you for the benefit of the doubt and it is in that spirit that we continue to set the brightest example of professionalism in our industry.
Matt Wilkins
July 17, 2008 at 10:27 am
Well put Benn. I also think that our various backgrounds and local markets adds to the degree of insight and wealth of infomration that this si\te provides.
Jason Sandquist
July 17, 2008 at 10:38 am
To everybody at AG, thank you for your contributions and they never go overlooked. Believe me, I have found so much helpful and useful info on this site. More than I would ever find anywhere else. Whenever I first hop on the computer, this almost always the first place I check out.
Just keep ‘keepin it real’
Kris Berg
July 17, 2008 at 10:54 am
Benn,
Well said. Like everything you do here, that was class. I know how hard you have both worked to create something positive and meaningful, and I am sending you my virtual standing-O.
Bill Lublin
July 17, 2008 at 10:55 am
Nicely done. Communites aren’t built overnight, nor do they build themselves. But AG is a classy neighborhood with some interesting inhabitants and visitors. And lots of interesting stories.
Gia & Grant Freer
July 17, 2008 at 10:56 am
Benn, Lani, many of us would echo your sentiments and it’s particularly touching when people wear their hearts on their sleeves and share their thoughts and feelings as you have. Gia and I not only appreciate what you go through, but look forward every day to the many new posts and insightful opinions that we discover on AG. For us, AG represents a creative and valuable learning tool for opinion, a compelling destination for the exchange of ideas, that includes an eclectic mix of viewpoints as well as the presentation and review of new technologies that can make a difference for all of us. The creativity behind the changing daily feed reader headings for example is a testament to the attention to detail that ultimately distinguishes AG as a benchmark for all of us to follow. As my father used to say to me, if you focus on the small things, the big things always have a habit of taking care of themselves. Not only does AG take care of the small things beautifully well, but the big things, like today and yesterday, are handled with particular care and class.
The Harriman Team
July 17, 2008 at 10:58 am
I’m with Jason. Of the more than 100 feeds in my reader, I enjoy, and learn more from, none more than AgentGenius. The quality of posts here are, IMHO, far superior to any other RE blog I read, and the cast of contributors is unmatched anywhere. If I were to delete all my subscriptions and keep only one, AG would be that one. Benn, you and Lani and the other Geniuses have created an environment that continues to challenge, inform, teach and stimulate the rest of us and often serves as a kick in our complacency. I for one applaud what you have created and the style, professionalism and FUN you exhibit on a daily basis. Keep the faith, guys. You’re doin’ fine.
Ken Smith
July 17, 2008 at 11:11 am
Keep up the good work.
Vicki Moore
July 17, 2008 at 11:31 am
At the time I was asked, I was so excited to join AG. That feeling has never changed. And I feel that excitement every time I read a post. I’m grateful to be a part of this growing community and offer the little bit I do.
I respect this group and its readers and want to continue to learn from the experts who cross the AG path.
Kumbaya baby!
Matt Stigliano
July 17, 2008 at 11:31 am
Benn and Lani – I said it already, but I’ll say it again.
I love it and thanks.
To everyone else – A thanks to you too. Its not just Lani and Benn that I read…so from the actual posts to the comments, I think its a great site. I’ve learned something new just about every day and think that I get more “real world” info from here than anywhere else I’ve been to read posts or articles or news stories or case studies…you get the picture. On top of that, I’ve found everyone to be welcoming and helpful, which is one thing that I find invaluable. I know who I can ask a “stupid” question to when I feel like I just don’t understand something. I know who I can bug about ideas for technology and how to use it. I know who makes great spaghetti sauce (ok, so that’s not really real estate related, but I’m always thinking of food). So I not only appluad Agentgenius and what they’ve created here for my use, but also the contributors and readers for the community they’re building. I hope to be a productive part of that as time goes on and add my two cents where ever I can.
I was about to finish this up, but wanted to add…I also like the fact that I have read dissenting and conflicting opinions occasionally in here. I think that all knowledge is good knowledge, so bring it on…fill my tiny head up with more…whether good/bad or wrong/right. I’ll make sense of it all through my own choices and decisions (and actions).
Vance Shutes
July 17, 2008 at 11:58 am
Benn,
If you build it, they will come. And, we have. Thanks for doing what you do, at the cost you do it for. We appreciate your efforts and learn from them.
Now, onward, through the fog!
teresa boardman
July 17, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Benn,
You and the lovely Lani do a wonderful job with managing this blog. You leave the writers alone, let the ideas flow, take constructive criticism and stand behind you decisions and your beliefs. You look for ways to make the blog even better, and make us all look like pro’s when we write here. Not that I need help but it has not escaped my attention that you have helped me out a couple of times in comments, and Lani is always there to fix my little messes when I can’t make a pretty blog post. She never did send me the poop less poney or the red mittens but it is the thought that counts. I don’t know anyone who does as good of a job with all this as you guys do. Proud to be a contributer.
Larry Yatkowsky
July 17, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Ditto all of the above with Whipped Cream
Thanks for inviting me to play in your sand box.
Jay Thompson
July 17, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Hear that?
It’s applause coming from Phoenix, AZ….
Matthew Rathbun
July 17, 2008 at 4:04 pm
AG is truly awesome and gives a prime example of what a “community” should be on-line. I’m am gald to see there are folks wiser than I making hard decisions on direction and forward thinking. Those who are here, are getting more in return than we as commenters or contributors give.
Charleston real estate blog
July 17, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Benn and Lani, I don’t know how you find the time in the day for all you do with AG. In my opinion, there is no site more important in the re net for me to visit and many thanks to both of you for being there every day.
Benn Rosales
July 17, 2008 at 6:50 pm
If I effected anyone with my improper use of the word “effect,” I’m affectively sorry for any adverse affects you may be affected with.
Thanks, Ol’ Skewl! 🙂
To all of you here- I think you already know what I’m thinkin… shucks…
ines
July 17, 2008 at 9:19 pm
no seriously – you guys ROCK!! Benn and Lani have created an amazing place (sing along)……where everybody knows your name……..and they’re always glad you came……even “Ol Skewl”
Chris Lengquist
July 17, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Benn,
What you and L have created is a shining example of what real estate can offer to it’s own and to the public at large. Keep up the great work. You two are at the top of any of my lists.
Much love from KC.
Mack in Atlanta
July 18, 2008 at 5:48 am
Taking what you have built for granted was easy. There were just so many great articles and super contributors in the form of authors and comments. Backing up for just a moment I want to say Thank You to all who contribute here. You are each and every one helping to educate all who visit.
Missy Caulk
July 18, 2008 at 5:55 am
This is my favorite place to come early in the morning and late at night. I love being able to comment and not get slammed for my comment. Many good writers and mentors. If I haven’t said it, “thank you”, both.
Eric Blackwell
July 19, 2008 at 3:03 am
Benn;
I write on several blogs…and I actually comment on very few. Yours is one. To the writers (I know some of you…great work). To you and Lani- thanks for creating a good place to be. If you look really close at that virtual standing O that Kris is giving you, you will see me there too. I am the one holding up a lighter (GRIN).
Eric
Paula Henry
July 19, 2008 at 7:52 am
How do I love thee – okay a bit Shakesperean, but, the truth, I learn something new here everyday. Often times, it’s in the comments. The shared comraderie and respect here has no equal in the blogosphere. Sending my love to Austin 🙂