I think alot of people are "BLOGGED OUT"... Others seem to write about everything but Real Estate, that has taken it`s toll. How many times can you write about SEO`s, Zillow, Google etc?

Many come to A/R thinking the net is paved with gold, meaning they`ll gain clients as mortgage brokers or referrals as Realtors,or Home Inspectors .

I`m a bit disappointed in the fact that we`ve given out 4 referrals to agents in the State of Florida only never to hear back from any of them! So much for assisting your fellow Realtors..

Maybe it`s too much expectation, who knows, I do agree with you. Too many rule changes may have also lead to people leaving.

All told A/R is a wonderful tool, a great forum and should be used more for pleasure and sharing, than as a business tool..

I counted 10 blogs alone that are Zillow oriented. 

I guess you can only talk so much about the same subject. If you did a blog every day thats 365 in a year. How much of that do you think is worth any thing. You would lose a lot of quality in your blogs.

Every day I wake up, the world of real estate presents all kinds of opportunities.  As they unfold, some are worth sharing so others learn from our mistakes, rejoice in our victories, share in our sorrows.  That is what community is about.  If we help some one, encourage some one, etc. then that is what is important and that is why AR is not dying.  There are too many good people on here for that to happen.

I think your rumors of AR's death are greatly exaggerated.

I've seen similar "sea changes" on other forums as the number of participants increase.

Typically you have a smallish core group at the onset and as word speads and more & more participants get on board, the growth becomes exponential until it reaches a sort of saturation point.

Count the number of the main page right now; there are "Profiles in Network: 8182"

Of course higher numbers also mean more different personality types, more conflicts, a more diverse group, and more points of view.

And of course into that mix you factor the group's owners trying to come up with some way to turn this "playground" into a money making proposition.

Look for more changes in the coming months; some you'll like, some you probably won't but you'll be the richer for taking part in the experiment.

PS, I for one would love to see your newsletter. How can I make that happen???

I think we'll get out of AR what we put into it. My post was really about myself and how I haven't been contributing. I'm sure others are doing the same, not contributing, then wanting something good to read. If we all wait around for others to write the good stuff, there won't be any good stuff. Out of more than 8000 members, there should be more than enough reading.

But, like it was mentioned, how many times can we talk about Zillow? As for me, I'm not the type to speak just to hear my own voice. That's my catch-22. Since I don't sell RE, there's not much point in me writing about my town.

I still think people should not leave. If we leave AR to a select few posters, we can't complain when they are the only ones being heard.

Jim, PM on it's way to you, re: my newsletter.

I guess personally it's hard to keep blogging and receive no comments-and I try to share marketing ideas, tips that I've found to be helpful, all of that in addition to what I post that might be attractive to a consumer.  Perhaps it was the rule change offering fewer points for comments, or it's just that i'm not as interesting or helpful as I think I am.  I'm trying to stay with it because i have learned a lot from other folks here and would like to think that others learn from me as well.  But dang, the 'I' portion of my personality wants to be noticed!

 This 'problem' is not unique to AR. People new to blogging (and maybe a few 'old timers') miss the point of the site.

The repeating themes (in such proximity) do get 'old'  such as the Zillow threads.

The 20+ (?) blogs on Blogging (how to blog, etc.), get a bit tiresome also.  I and I assume others, read the blog, and all the comments. 

The problem isn't the QUALITY of each, just that if the subject has been recently posted, so just comment with your thoughts.  A new Blog really isn't necessary.

A person's new thread drops out of sight because people don't comment... if everyone with something to say ON a particular subject commented on one that exists, instead of starting a new Blog... it would not 'vanish' so quickly...and your thoughts would be read by many.

My one cent.

Crystal,

I will admit to it that I have been not ACTIVE as I used to be.  I guess I noticed the market has slowed down and I have been worrying about finding my next mortgage referral than making sure I do my 5 comments for the day or 10 blogs for the week.  I am one of the old timers here on the site so I have done more than a 100 blogs so I do run out of good quality content.  Plus I am #5 on the network and #1 for loan officers and #1 for Connecticut real estate professionals, I can't get too greedy! hahahhaa..  Interesting blog and I doubt A/R will ever die but it could see less activity but that just means quality involvement.

Check out my Happy Halloween to Active Rain blog from this morning:  Enjoy the pics!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/17450/Happy-Halloween-to-the

Always,

Nima

Here's my thoughts on commenting (the other cent). I remember the Lovely Wife (I believe) urging people to comment on blog posts that have no comments. I took that to heart and I do try to follow that. Sometimes there's nothing to add, but I try to say something.

Then you get to the posts with 22 comments. 1) the subject has gone so far off topic that I feel my post wont be appreciated by then; or 2) I feel after 22 comments that my comment won't be noticed.

"But dang, the 'I' portion of my personality wants to be noticed!"

Great job Leigh, keep up the good work.

How's that?? ;-)

Best,

Jim

PS, today's authentication word is "Lime". A slice of this goes very nicely with a Margarita on the rocks. <!--StartFragment -->

I think that a lot of the "how to blog" and "here's the RIGHT way to blog" and "this is the WRONG way to blog" blogs (can I use the word "blog" any more in one sentence?) may serve, also, to discourage people new to blogging from actively participating.  Some set themselves up as the "authorities" of blogging and how it should be done and that can be offputting for those who don't particularly care to have someone watchdogging them to see if their blog is technically "right" or not.  Takes all the fun out of it for anyone except for the self-appointed arbiters of Correct Blogging.

Plus, when the featured posts tend to be by the same few folks more often than not, a certain "cliquish" atmosphere becomes noticable.  That, also, is offputting. 

And, as mentioned earlier, the limited number of "acceptable" topics for commentary.  If you're aware enough to realize that 20 blogs on Zillow, say, within a couple of days, isn't really interesting, but you're not supposed (according to some) to post about things that aren't directly, technically, real-estate related, that leaves precious little to blog about. 

All of which being said, I was still checking a LOT yesterday to see if the system was back up, because I do love ActiveRain!

Tricia, excellent observation regarding the "How to Blog...." blogs.

I thought maybe I was the only one thinking it was going beyond 'helpful'.

Hi Christal, I don't think AR is dying but it is definitely going through growing stages.  It's hard for me to comment on these types of posts because I guess I am one the "popular" bloggers. I always seem to get featured and I average about 30 comments a post. Why? I don't have a clue. I just try to be myself and keep writing what I hope is interesting stuff. But it wasn't always like that. I've been posting for about 4 months. I've also spent a lot of time commenting on AR and outside of AR. I've entered into carnivals and just generally have been trying to get my name out there(Google Bryant Tutas). Also, I only post about 5 or 6 times a week. And I'm very consistent with my subject matter. These are all things that I have control over. Featured posts and comments I have no control over.

I imagine it must be very discouraging posting and getting very few responses. But you know, there are some very new members of AR that shot up real quick. So I just don't know if there is a magic recipe to getting noticed in blog world.

The only advice I ever give is to just stick with and what ever you do, just be yourself. Do your best and the rest will take care of itself.

Bryant, I think you misunderstood my message. I wasn't complaining about not being popular. I was commenting that if I want to have great things to read, I, and others, need to contribute more often.

In my life I've never been one to care if I'm popular or not. Popularity doesn't affect the way I do things. (I am competitive, though, and do like the scoring system.)

You are popular because you have great things to say. I think it's also because you are a genuine and good person and that people want to emulate you. You are consistent with your subject matter, so is a few of the other posters who are popular. Be proud, not apologetic!

Seriously, is it fair that you consistently write great content then have little to read because others aren't doing the same. I think that every one of the 8000+ people here have great things to say. They are all business people who didn't get where they are by dumb luck. So share, people, share the wealth of knowledge. If we have 20 Zillow posts and they are all interesting, and from a different point of view, then why not?

PS, I don't really think AR is dying. The title matched the picture I chose. Shhh. I think the evolution will be a good thing. I'd like to see less how to's and more of a day in the life of...

Hi Christal, I knew you weren't complaining. My comment was actually aimed of some of the other comments on your post. Thanks for all the kind words BTW.

And you know I do sometimes feel guilty that my posts get so much attention. I know I shouldn't feel that way. To be honest I have always had that problem. I have excelled at everything I have ever done in my life. That does come with feelings of "why me". But I just stay true to myself and move forward. That's all I can do. 

As for the content on AR. It really doesn't bother me that much. I am just happy that people are participating. Finding their niche may take time. Blogging is a continually growing and learning experience. The folks that do just post for the sake of posting will eventually grow out of it or just stop posting.

BTW this post is a perfect example of what blogging is about. It's honest, it's from your heart and it brings up a pertinent topic. Very well done:)

Hi Crystal! I know exactly what you mean~ I find myself scrolling through blogs ALOT more, and really stopping to read the ones whose names are familiar..not to mention the fact when you see all the comments on one blog, you stop to read others comments and get in on the action~that's great for the popular bloggers, but hard for newer bloggers to get a word in edgewise. There are alot of good blogs that don't get comments~ 

Thanks for my link;)

This is a star post...

"The Lovely Wife Here"

I think the key to Blogging in a site like AR is of course...

Reciprocity in Active Rain...Makes a huge difference...

I have seen many members shoot to the top just because they get it...Reciprocity...

Crystal read this post I have linked you to. It will help you. Read the comments as well,  there is a lesson in there.

And Cash...Blogged Out...Never going to happen! LOL SEE :>

Hello "Peeking"...I see you up there...Boo!

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Kum La Ka Lakka...ROAR!

TLW, that's the post I was referring to when I wrote, "I remember the Lovely Wife (I believe) urging people to comment on blog posts that have no comments." Thank you for finding it.

Glad I found it for you...My tags were all messed up when all the tags changed...I am still trying to find my own Blogs! LOL SEE :>

Although only being a member for a couple weeks now... I have noticed what you mentioned.  Things do seem to be dying down a little.  Maybe it is just me, but I am finding it hard to find a blog that peeks my interest because some of these issues have been beaten to death, resurrected, and so on.  I haven't posted a blog for a while now because it seems that everything has been talked about.  It is just easier to respond in a comment.

Everything goes in cycles, some of us will slow down and others w ill speed  up, but the rports of our death are greatly exagerated. LOL!

Hard to believe you didn`t get a Star for this one.. Who do you have to know around here?

Dying, no.  I think some of us who were posting at super human paces for a while slowed down.  One can only keep up three posts a day for so long, after all.  I could not sustain it, at least.  

The whole thing is like the tide.  it comes in and goes out.  People come and go.  Some stay and move back and forth a lot.  

But there is much to be learned.  The topics may repeat themselves as new players enter the conversation, but that is not bad.

I agree with you 100% that we all have to put out decent blogs to make this an interesting place.  There is room for so much here but we make it what it is.

Super human paces? Was it a contest to post? Sounds like a job to me..

William, think ActiveRain Addiction.

Real Estate is a cycling business.  Maybe we shouldn't be surprised if activity cycles too. Anticipate it, roll with and keep coming back to see if there is something we have an opinion on.

I do kind of like those points! ;)   It's getting late, so say goodnight, Gracie.

Note: Above is Alexa so it is not perfect! 

Good discussion.  It does not look to me like Active Rain is dying from the traffic.  Have more than two Active Rainers quit as in actually took their blogs down?  I believe they took their blogs down in protest.  I know at least on one the person who "offended" one of the AWOL Rainers offered an apology.  Many Active Rainers have tried to cajole, bribe and entice the blogger back.   Not the place for them? It is a network.  Everyone has to decide whether to be part of the network for themselves. 

There are some Rainers that have burned out and stoppped blogging a lot but they have not taken down their blogs.  They may be back.  There are over 5000 real estate agents on Active Rain now... it's growing.  We need to encourage more members to blog, some Rainers have done a great job of encouraging more participation.... Carnivals, blog tours, fantastic free SEO info. 

The focus of Active Rain is evloving, Matt and Caleb are encouraging blogging to the public. 

Active Rain is definately "active". Yesterday I wanted to find a blog post so I could refer to it. I had to weed through 15 pages of blogs before I even got to the beginning of the day! Then it was another 15 pages to get to the actual post. So we're blogging 15 pages per day, I'd say that's a lot.

My fruit is Peach - and it's spelled correcty.

Real Estate is a source of income.  End result, sometimes the participants therein may have to work and not be able to blog all the time.  Some are waiting for a profound topic to write about; some are commenting or reading to learn.  (I print out many blog posts so I have them handy for reference.)

Bloggers may talk about the same thing over and over, or they may have a lot of different ideas.   I'm not sure I would know an android if I saw one, but I like the idea of a real life real estate agent who is familiar with many different topics and enjoys discussing or dissembling on the appropriate ones.  Go ahead and tell us about your vacation to a beautiful place or your outrage at poor customer service or how to organize our office or make our website and blog more effective and more.  I will read a lot of it. -- But, you know what?  Some days I might be MIA.  It's nothing personal, I had to work!  (or I had the flu) 

Crystal, you really know how to kick over a can of pretty worms.  You go, girl!

Ahhhh AR is not dying....  rally up the troops and let's all sell some real estate!  And sned referrals....

Crystal, I think it was an interesting post, I agree with the fact that just as "money sticks to money", then "blog readers will stick to popular bloggers", kind of, LOL, I hope this comment readers understand what I mean... But, seriously I think that if anyone wants to succeed in something...he should be persistent and consistent, and eventually he'll get there. I am new to AR, people are not reading/commenting on my blogs. I beleive I have good blogs, so I will continue, eventually I will get my recognition.

Eli,  www.absolutefloridamortgage.com

Eli, I do remember reading your blogs. Your son is adorable.

Crystal, Thank you very much, indeed Hunter is adorable...we just came back from fathers/sons Indian tribes camp out, it was absolutely great, and I could not avoid it, so I posted a new blog about it...

Thanks again

Eli

I find that it is kind of a beginner's arena to get your feet wet so that you can move on to your own personal blog.  I still come here often but writing content can be overwhelming and sometimes it is just better off posting on our own place and linking from here...

Plus it is hard to live up to such amazing writers as Broker Bryant:)

LOL, that's true, Marguerite. Some agents were born to blog. I believe that's why they made it to the top.

For me, as I said, I'm just torn between my newsletter, this blog, and adding content to my website. Maybe it's the same for others.

"Lovely Ladies"

I agree with Margarite, this is a good beginners forum. Keeping up with BB is difficult, it's difficult for me too. Somewhat challenging, but hey I love playing "challenge" with my husband. LOL. AR will evolve and I for one will be moving on to bigger and better things. It's wonderful to have a community, but, when the community becomes a point, a rate and a dashboard it ceases to be a community. New members are being bombarded by those trying to get them into their corner of AR. How sad it is that? This whole clique club thing is way too much like the real world. The clique clubs and the manipulation of the system by those who are supposed to be friends is distasteful at best. But, that's okay...It lit a fire under by butt. Yipee...Bigger and Better are waiting on me...

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Putting out the fire...ROAR!

First to be honest, I didn't read all 39 comments before mine, more a factor of time than anything.  Being realtively new to active rain, I find many of the blogs insightful and helpful.  It is hard to come up with a blog that is helpful or even inspiring when it has been covered before.  Some of us are better than others (I'm not one great at prose).  Nevertheless, I don't see AR dying but rather experiencing the gawkiness of maturation.  When people get together to share ideas they will continue to grow, not die out

Crystal,

•  Congratulations on a post that elicits many comments!
• I agree with Tricia Jumonville about how intimidating it is for new bloggers to read all the how to's, the do's the don'ts, etc.
• I agree with TLW that there are cliques forming to the exclusion of others. A newbie here should not feel slighted. Some people only comment on the "friends" posts.
• Content is a big problem. I don't know how many times I was going to blog about something, came here to comment and saw the same theme
• And finally, Active Rain actually "mirrors" life. All the same things happen here that happens outside of here. I think we would all like to baby AR and keep it from growing up. Maybe we can.........

Well, Karen, maybe we should make it a point to welcome newbies the same way we should make it a point to comment on the blogs that have no comments.

I think that everyone has a different point on the same subject, so it would be hard to say the same thing even on the same subject.

"The Lovely Karen"..."maybe we can"...I just don't know...I mean really...Who can stop another from operating outside of AR on emails...We can try, but I just am not so sure it will work. I know content is hard...But remember it's okay to have two blogs on the same topic...If not more, it's the nature of blogging...Of course all of this is intimidating to Newbies...After the initial meet and greet they have to claw their way through...And that my dear friend ain't a pretty sight...I know you know that. I may be too tired to even have a point here. I will have to come back and have another look tomorrow...TLW...ROAR!

TLW,

I "knew" you were still lup. It's 11:00 and you know what that means...

Seriously, though, remember when we tried to do what Crystal has just suggested. We did make it a point to welcome newbies and tried to comment on as many as we could..I think we are still trying to do that, but 8000!!!

Its becoming a job with so many on here.

I'll be back later tomorrow also

I suppose it's the old 10 / 90 % rule. 

• 10% of agents do 90% of the real estate transactions.
• 10% of the Active Rainers make 90% of the posts.

There must be something mystical about it.

Looks like the total Active Rain population is increasing - so hopefully that will translate into more active Active Rainers increasing too.