The Official ActiveRain Guide

Hi Brad~

As someone newer to AR and still trying to figure it out, I appreciate your tips and pointers!!  I hate to admit, but I've already committed a couple of the faux pas...but I didn't know any better!  Thanks for the help!

Jacki

These are good points..I would add one about posting photos on Localism.  If you're going to post a photo, please take a moment to caption it!  Contribute some comment about the significance of what the viewer is seeing.  We're supposed to be uploading photos that provide the viewer with information relevant to a particular community (hence the name Localism) so why not add a few lines that help accomplish this?

Brad..........Only been on here a couple of months and love it.  Your blog is very helpful.   Thanks.

Duane Hosek in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Hey - I am all about the points - kind of teasing here - I have worked hard to take over number 1 in Oregon - although I only have a few to compete with.... I like being #1 but I would hope my posts do not appear to be all about points.... I still need to go edit my associates list many of them are blank - I am bad.... but there is only so many hours in the day to go backwards

Wow, Brad, as a relative newbie, you hit all my hot spots!

If all people are thinking about is points and their nonsense one liner comments and their three line posts , then they should just really LEAVE!

I have, as stated before, learned more on AR in two months than I have in 6 years of CE in Ohio. I would not trade this experience and my new friends(many) for anything. I really am not mad at them, but I do pity them for not "getting it" here on AR. They are really losing out!

Thank you for stating what I have been thinking the last week or so.

Regards all,

David

PS. They are so obvious and will not last without attention!

 

Brad,

Great post, as always thanks for sharing.

As for the list, guilty on one of them, guess I need to get to work on those associate comments!

 UPDATE~ O.k. Brad, I went to update my associates, beginning with you, and I couldn't figure out how to edit and add comment.  Is it possible, or maybe I'm just too tired tonight, it's late.  

Guilty as sin on some of these Brad.  I hate wasting time re-writing stuff I inadvertently erased...but I've done it and will probably do it again.  My main pet peeves are stuff that I do, great article for all of us Brad!

Here's one I forgot to add, but since the thread is going now, I guess I'll just squeeze this one in too! As I was reviewing the new AR members, I came across this new member from South Carolina, York County.  What's up with this? Where do these people come from and how do they get in here anyway? We need QC guards at every portal!! LOL!

Good one Brad!  I hate it when they read our blog and then just leave.  Not even a "good job!" under the comment box! Why do we even bother.

Brad - Guilty as charge on a few points. I will try to do better. Thanks for the reminder! :)

I resmble a couple of those Pet Peeves.  I reslove to do better in the future.

Brad, I was asked by another Rainer to add him as an associate, which I did, along with a positive comment. I asked the Rainer to do the same for me.  After a week of no response I asked again.  When the member continued to ignore me, I correctly identified him as a user, and deleted him as an associate.

I was born at night, but it wasn't last night.

Thanks for the tips and I guess I need to improve in a couple of areas. 

Great reminder, we've all done it at least once on all of them....especially when your new. I need to go back and add a few comments on my associates, I added at first before I knew what the heck I was doing.

Hi Brad,
You hit on some of my pet peeves too.  Just this week I have received comments from 2 people who have not posted any blogs.  How can I reciprocate if there are no posts?  Frustrating. 

Guess we're all guilty of at least one--but I'm taking the 5th here.  LOL.   

 

I recently started saving posts as "Draft," and it gives a little peace of mind that I won't lose it all.

Gosh, other than that, I don't have any peeves...

But I can start adding comments into "Associates."  Wa-a-ay behind on that.

Brad,

Very weired..this happens to me a lot. They add me as an asoc....... yet I have never seen or heard from them. Dose that mean they are one of my fans:)

Brad this is a good short reference for newbies. Thanks for taking your time to post it.

I guess my biggest pet peeve is the member who doesn't add a photo.  I even read about one member who said he gave a fake name and fake photo to maintain his privacy. (What?)

If someone hasn't taken the time to add a photo I don't read their posts.

Hi Brad, I am guilty of number 1, I am one of those newbies James is talking about you are absolutley right we should put a comment there I hope I can fix it.  You learn something new everyday.

Thank You!!

Brad,  Why do you feel the need to call me out?  Just kidding.  I am guilty of not adding comments when I add associates.  I will try to do better, OK?  At least I kept going back to your post when I asked the question about the "R thingie".  Great information. 

Brad - great post for the newbie. I am really with you on the ones who sign up and then do nothing more. I see no point in that at all. I have refered a few people to AR and a fww of them are guilty of this. I have prodded them along to get going - hopefully they will. I need my 10% bonus points :) LOL.

HI Brad, Seems many of us are guilty as charged on Number one....I'm among them.  I haven't been adding associates, however, I go directly to SUBSCRIBE these days and get to as many people as I can to comment and add something to these wonderful blogs.  Thank you for the information, it's great for newbies and those of us that should know better by now!

Brad, this is a list of things that bug me as well.  Another thing to add is to make sure that on comments to  blogs, you make sure that there are no extra lines below -- otherwise it looks like this:

Great post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very annoying! 

Brad - Great tips on how to refine our participation and get the most out of it.  I think we have all been guilty of some (or all) of these things, but hopefully with patience and guidance we will get through it.

I believe that sometimes people lurk in the shadows because they don't want to 1) offend, 2) create controversy, 3) "appear stupid" or they are 4) so intimidated by the wealth of experience and knowledge that they shrink back.

It takes some folks quite a while to 'find their voice' and use it.  

Thanks for posting these tips - hopefully some of the shy members will dip their toes in the Rain. 

You know I never thought about the comment thing with the associates.  Thanks i will remember to do that from now on.  Great post by the way.

This is good (and accurate) information.  I must admit that I wasn't really using the comment section for associates either.  Well done post!

Brad - I feel your pain.  Well, maybe not pain, but some of the things on your list annoy me too.  Thanks for posting this.  From the comment thread it looks as though many eyes were opened.  You did a great service in posting this article.  Thanks!

Jacki - I too was guilty of every one of these pet peeves!  It takes time to find your way, hopefully this post will reduce that time!  :-)

Eric - great point about Localism photos. I have been guilty of that as well.  The nice thing is that you can go back and edit your captions on any photos you've added.  Hopefully your comment will inspire and motivate members to do that. Thanks!

Duane - thank you. I am grateful that you find this information to be helpful to you, and hopefully, it will assist you in growing your AR relationships and your business too!

Thesa - I know what you mean about going backwards, but the forward results from doing so, just might be worth it. Congrats on your #1 status, and I think your posts are perceived as quality, not quantity and points driven. Keep up the great blog!  :-)

David - I am glad you can relate to this post. If each of us just helps one other member, we can turn these peeves around. That is my intention with this post. Not to whine or complain, but to help and assist. :-)

Lynda - great question, and that's probably why a lot of members don't go back and add the comments. I have updated this post and put the directions in RED, thanks for pointing that out. Let me know if the instructions are clear and if you need any help with updating or adding comments to your associates.

 

good stuff Brad, now tell us how you got those great license plates?

very cool... Charles

Jason - this is not to create any guilt on any member, I have been and still am guilty of these from time to time myself.  I just wanted to share some ways that we can make our experience here on the rain a better one, and help others from making the same mistakes we have all made.  It is a learning experience for us all. :-)

Marie - I don't mind when someone reads my post and does not comment, but if they do comment, and ask a question, they may not know to check the box to be notified that their question may have been answered.  If you look at any blog in any group, you will see hundreds if not thousands of views, but very few comments in comparison. That is just the nature of the beast, and unfortunately will never change.

Paula - you are doing great! Looks like I've turned this post from a "pet peeve" post to a confessional! LOL!

Nancy - we are all guilty of these and many more I'm sure.  Doing our best is all anyone can ever ask from us.  We can't fix or repair what we don't know.  These are just some tips to make the AR world a better place for us all.

Good morning Brad,

Thank you for adding the info on comments. I'll try to work on that tonight to do a better job for my colleagues.

Sorry, but I don't click on that new comment box....too many emails and clogging my Home page message center. I keep the message where I have commented on the post and go back to see if the poster has responded to my comment. If I did that to all posts I have commented on it would be four times as bad because I must comment on at least 25-50 a day....if not more....(I have 120 in my subscribed list now) I try to limit the number of responses to my post to around 5 or so in one box or comment when I see someone commented in my home message page. I don't understand about the ones that add me on as an associate that I don't know.  Content is truly the way. Reciprocating comments is too...that's how we get readership...by not only answering our own but commenting on others as well.

Ahh, yes, how I hate loosing hours worth of work due to one innocent click in the wrong space!  Thanks for all of the tips and reminders!

You've said it, brother!  It's as if you read my mind and wrote the post for me.  Hmm...if I copied and pasted it to my blog, would that be plagiarism, since they were my thoughts, too?  I do think that some people here on AR focus too much on those darn points and don't care about the content of their posts or comments.

I have a question for a few of you I am new to Active Rain as well as new to Real Estate, how has Active Rain benefited you and how could a newbie such as myself really benefit from it.

Brad - I enjoyed your post, as always, and the best thing is that it is not a "rant" but rather a professional, well thought out guideline to help others.  That makes a big difference! 

I think my biggest ? are the people who sign up and then do not complete their profile (especially no picture).  When I see some of the new members who don't include their picture, I try to give them a gentle nudge to add it, as I think it makes a big difference in wanting to communicate with them.

Brad, you're guilty of offense #1. You added me as an associate but oops no comment. I don't know what I'm do now... J/K have a great day!

Brad, loved the blog!  The graphics are great.  These are all my pet peeves also.  Lately I have looked at my homepage and noticed that I posted the same comment several times on people's blogs.  I don't think I hit the button more than once but who knows.  I did get points for each one though.  ;)   (but I went in and deleted them - what is more important points or etiquette?)

Brad I am guilty of number one! I have so many associates without comments on them. I think I get associate block!

Brad,

How about comments like "Great post ", how does that rank in your book? In the last several days I read many posts, but had really nothing of interest or substance to say, so I didn't. Was i supposed to say "great post"?.

Associates -is it good manners to reciprocate? I have chosen several associates, who did not reciprocate. Initially I thought it was OK. Just because I like what they write, does not mean they should or would like what I write. But now I am not so sure.

I will come back to see your answer. lol. 

I love it when a post like this generates so many good questions. I don't have a pet peeve to add, but I'm learning a lot from all of these comments. I'll be back to read more later. Thanks Brad, you've really got a knack for starting a great thread.

Hi Brad...no joke! It is really annoying when you comment....and get no response!(I don't mean YOU personally....I meant when "one" comments!)

I just noticed that your graphics were created on ImageChef. I have never heard of this site before but it looks really cool. How do you find such neat stuff?!

 

 

Brian - it could be that the person you were trying to get to reciprocate is one of those members who just doesn't do anything here.  Some sign up and I'm not sure if they ever come back!?! I have many assoc. I still need to go back and add comments, I like to get to know them a little first so I'm not just putting fluff in the comment box.  If I add someone, I do always try to comment on something, usually as to why I am adding them. Thanks for your comment!

Darrel - don't we all? :-) Include me in that group!!

Missy - do we still really know what the heck we're doing?!? LOL!!  I am in the same boat paddling with ya!!

Cynthia - you're a good person to do that. TLW wrote a great post on reciprocating. I have found I spend more time here on my posts, commenting back within it, like I'm doing now, but then can't find the time to go to all of YOUR blogs and post comments. It's frustrating!!  It's really a fine balance that can be tamed, but not mastered. You might want to send that member a little email with a gentle AR push to do their first post. It could be that they are scared to death what to write....remember your first post??  LOL! I remember mine!  Ugh!!
BTW - you can't take the 5th, it's already taken!! B-)

 

I will have to respond to your comments and questions upon my return.

I will be in Arizona with my father who is very ill right now. He's is the oldest living Andersohn on the Planet at age 82. He has called me to his side so I must go for now...please accept my apology, I will be back next week. Feel free to keep this thread going in my absence, thanks!

                                                            

Hi Brad,

Thanks for your comments. I get the gist.  Also have faced the horror of writing my heart out and then having it accidentally dissapear.  I find it is easier to write it first in Word then copy it to the blog.

Brad, Don't worry about us right now.  You have more important things to take care of.  I'm sure we will all understand why you are not responding to our comments.  Here's a free pass to to excuse you from commenting.

Thanks for the tips! I'm still a newbie, so I know I'm certainly guilty of some of those mistakes!

My biggest annoyance is when I bother to engage in the thread of comments and the blogger never checks back in. What's up with that? It feels like someone speaking to me and then just walking away - unconcerned with what I might like to add.

I'm also not fond of bloggers with NOTHING TO SAY! Just writing for points and wasting our time. I read for inspiration, answers, laughs and guidance. I have to sift through a gazillion blogs to find those gems.  They are wasting space on the ether of AR!

Finally, if you comment, then PLEASE RATE THE BLOG! It's a courtesy. 

Brad, my last comment doesn't apply to you right now :))

Hi, Brad - I hope everything turns out okay for your father.  We've been losing a lot of ours the last few years so I know it's tough.  Keep your priorities in order, and believe me you won't regret the time you take off to spend with him.

When I add an associate I should also make a few comments but I have to admit when I started I didn't think I'd add so many!  Now I need to go back and make adjustments so I can remember who is who.

My biggest pet peeve on AR is spelling.  We are supposed to be professionals, and while this is a somewhat social forum for many, much of it is open to the public.  For crying out loud, we fill out contracts every day.  We all know that one letter added or removed from any word or a misplaced comma can change the entire meaning.  We really should hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Thanks for letting me vent.  I'll step down from my soap box.  Good luck with your father.

Wow.  You hit some great points here, unfortunately I have been guilty but promise to get better.  Best Wishes to your family!

 

Hello Brad,

 

I am fairly still new on Active Rain. I was happy to read your Blog on 7 mistakes. It was more helpful to me then personal.

 

Thank you for sharing.

Theresa

Brad I wish you and your Dad the best.

I have made the mistake of deleting my blog, I will use the draft section, I did not know there was a draft section. Thanks for the info

Being new to AR, I really am trying to get my brain around all of the info needed to blog successfully and to be a valuable contributor to the process for other members. I'm always happy when someone like you takes the time to break pieces of it down for me in one place so I can chew on them and then , work to correct what I'm doing wrong. I'm still at the early stages so I'm reading and commenting more than posting but my goal is always to improve upon it.  Thanks again. 

Brad, Excellent post. Hope your Dad is okay!! When you get back you can start Brads' Bugs and do one a month:)  We need these kinds of posts because sometimes it gets overwhelming trying to keep up with all the do's and don'ts around here. And we are all guilty at some time or other of doing some of these things.

OK We are sorry....we will go back and write in the box why we added you as an associate. (LOL) That seems to be the only one we are guilty of so far! : )  Great post! We usually click the box to be notified of new comments. We have learned though who typically does not return comments when you comment on their blog. There are a few that usually don't interact with comments. We are off to fix our mistakes!! LOL

great list Brad!  You always share info. that is helpful and timely.  There are few things quite as irritating as loosing a post or a long comment reply because one forgot to save...been there...done that! :)

Brad - great post and hope things go well with your Dad - no apologies needed. 

hmmmm you gave me some stuff to think about Brad! Thanks! Hope things go well with your Dad and you are enjoying your time together.

Brad,

Excellent primer for anyone here at AR. Old and new, but your points could specifically help the new members streamline their activities here. After getting burned once or twice writing a blog that suddenly disappeared, all of them are now done in Word. "Points" members sure do miss the point of blogging, I agree.

Reading number 5 hit me real hard!!!  I did that a million times, even with emails. Then after the 1,348,299th time, I decided to start writing blogs in a separate text program and then copying it to the post. Saves the heartbreak and depression. :)

Wow!  You know you've blogged a lot when you've experienced every single one of these "Pet Peeves".  #4.  I'm guilty too!!   I also like the fact that you provided tips to resolve each of these issues.  Great Pet Peeves Post!!

Brad,

First and foremost, I hope your dad is okay......many prayers for you.

Second, I am a virtual newbie here and loved your post! I get so caught up in everyday business that I forget the basics, thanks for the reminders!

Sandi!

P.S. How did you get your graphics to show up animated? I even posted about that before and did not get an answer.........I love animated graphics!

 

 

My pet peeve is bad grammar.  There it's out there now.

Its vs. it's

your vs you're

wrong tense for verbs

random plurals

We all make mistakes, and are busy, trying to run businesses, families, life, etc.  Spelling mistakes and typos are understandable, but out and out bad writing.  Me hates it! ;-)

Hi Juliet, I had to laugh at "Its vs. it's"
Our MLS provider actually removes the apostrophe in our remarks, so
we have a blank space between the letters, very, very annoying and they
won't fix it.  So I try not to use contractions, but if I have to then I leave
out the apostrophe.  We've complained but Innovia claims it interferes
with their html - oh well.  I'm with you on the grammer and spelling.
Gail MacMillan

p.s. good post, Brad and best wishes in Arizona

New member here. Glad to say I only fell into a couple catigoties. Good to know whats expected from members and how to maximize my membership.

Thank you.

Roy

I have a question? Is it all right to post our listings as a post!!!!

I am so tired of seeing posts of the members listings! We have many places to put these! Do not place your listings in a post. If you do not have anything to say, think about it!!!! Get an idea and then post!

 

DavidC

 

 

Well, our blog IS a marketing vehicle we use to help our clients - that's a primary goal why we go to all this trouble to excel at blogging.  With such great tools as postlets, vflyers and realestateshows it's easy to make a nice post about our clients properties and educate our realtor readers in the process. 

I don't have any pet peeves.  Thought about it - nope, nothing.  Well, maybe I find the people who sign up and don't complete even their profile a bit annoying.  Why bother, as you say Brad.

Good advise Brad...

You seemed to forget about passing up someone in the points and then having a target on your back... and acting like the points don't really matter....as you pass yet another blogger...sure, heck, I can't even get 25 points for this, as I've already left well over 20 comments tonight...but I'm watching you....

Now Have a Blessed Day,

John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR
Mission Grove Realty

Hi, Brad!  I know you're away with your Dad so I just want to say that I'll keep your Dad in my thoughts and prayers, and you and your family as well.

For me, it's gotta be those spelling and grammar flaws... Can't stand them! Anyhow, great post; very good info -- and although I'm a new AR member, I've avoided most of those top 7 while falling into one of them (and hope to fix that by trying my hand at blogging myself!). Best wishes to you and your family, Brad -- take care and get back whenever you're ready.

What a great and extremely helpful post!  You said a mouthful. Of course I have to rate you a 5 and bookmark you for future reference. I hope to see you around town soon to commend you personally for all of your contributions to AR.

Brad

I just committed a bad one according to your pet peeves, this morning I answered about nine comments all in one post. I didn't have the time to go back and fourth. My home computer is slower than molasses and well I just didn't have the time. Thanks for letting us know about the pet peeves.

Brad,  You hit the nail right on the head!  Awesome post! I rated this one a 5.   My pet peeve you covered it all!

Hope your Father is better!

Take care and can't wait to your next post!! :)

thanks for the tips and pointers.

Mike - "Draft" is the way to go! Finding time to add comments to your associates is a good thing. You'll find that when you do, people will come back and leave comments on yours too! :-)

Neal - that's exactly what that means. You might want to research and become a fan of theirs too! :-) 

James - you are very welcome!  It's not just for newbies...

Dan - kinda like no photo of the house on the MLS. Do you show properties of agents who don't add teir photos their too? Would you buy or look at a house that had no photo? Exactly.  Some just don't get it and they never will! :-) 

Lorinda - the nice thing is that you don't have to hope you can fix it, you most certainly can!  We are all guilty of many of these, that's why I did this post. Not to point or accuse, but to help and assist! :-)

David and Kristin - I would never call you out! LOL! Thanks for adding a comment to my associate page. As you can see, one good turn deserves another.  The "R" thingie has kinda created a bond between us, even though we never got it fixed. You and Kristin are AWESOME! Thanks. 

Bill - that extra 10% bonus points do come in handy when you're away, and don't have the time to blog or comment. Helps keep you on top as the Featured Agent in your area.  LOL!  There'll always be a member like a John Occhi who just can't resist chasing you though!!  Watch out for those members, it's very competitive out here. hahaha! :-) 

Carole - I am just as guilty as you, but probably of many more.  I too subscribe to so many blogs that I can't find the time to comment on all of them as much as I'd like to....including yours! Always trying to improve. That's the game of life! :-) 

Hello Brad ~

My Pet Peeve?  Your number 3....the points only members....nothing irks me more!!!!  A legit, simple question is understandable, but the 50 word minimum rambling....ugh! 

I think you were the first to add a comment when you added me as an Associate - it's probably the best thing AR members can do for one another.  Not only does it give us a reference/referral point for business, but it's what makes us feel connected to one another. 

Thanks for a great post (as always!)

Brian - that's a good one, don't see it too often, but is does happen, thanks for pointing that out!

Carol - Awesome comment and observation. I think you are 100% correct. Thanks for posting that comment here and making this post even more valuable to the readers of it! 

Valerie - thanks! The comment thing really is a great way to endorse others and to be endorsed by others! 

Jason - hopefully you will start to use the comments when adding associates. There is great power in your comments of another member.

Marlene - you can feel my pain if you want to, I don't mind sharing! LOL!  Thanks for your kind words and as always, your wonderful and warm comments! B-) 

Charles -thanks! You can get those plates from www.Imagechef.com, they have some other pretty cool stuff too!

Lynda - no problem.  Glad you liked the post, no pressure to work any harder tonight though! :-) 

Sally - I do the same, I don't check the comment box either in most cases.  I keep the comment that I made in my history and then go back later to see if they commented back. Many don't ever come back to their own post. I don't get that.  Thanks for taking the time to comment. Aloha!! :-)

Diane - nothing worse than losing a great post, or a thread commenting back to 20 people. I have done them both and there's not much worse you can do!  Glad you enjoyed the post!  

Deb - that's an excellent point! (no pun intended).  Content is King and always remember that! Thanks!! :-) 

Donna - the only way to benefit from networks like Active Rain (and there is no other like it) is to dig in, start posting, commenting, and finding your voice for those who want to hear and read it.  You can absolutely get business from your efforts on AR. If not, all these members wouldn't be doing it.  Use the serach function on AR to read some of the success stories that have come out of this place!  

Earlene - thanks for the nice comment! It's great to see you giving that gentle AR nudge to get others to complete their profiles and upload their photos. For the past few months, I have been going to all the "New Members" and inviting them to various blogs, posts, groups and help links.  Hopefully it's starting to catch the eye of newer members.

Lashon - I think that has been corrected already, in fact, did you read what I wrote about you? That should score me a couple points back with you anyway...  (Big Smile)!!! 

Note Pad is a brilliant idea!!  Nothing more frustrating then hitting the submit button and seeing "page not found."  OUCH!!!!!

Maureen - that's what I love about you, so honest and full of integrity!!  I have done the same as you, and I say etiquette over points ALWAYS!!  :-)

Ashley - that's cute....associates block!  We all do it, when I get caught up on this post, I am going back to all the blanks in my assoc. page, and sending them an email that if they comment on mine, I'll comment on theirs. That is if I don't get "Associates Block"!!  LOL!~ 

Faina - The one's that leave the comment "Great Post" might really mean it, and just be at a loss for words, but I would be more likely to believe they are just after the points. 

Your question about comments in the associates box is still a mystery.  If someone likes your blog, they can subscribe to it, if they like you, they can add you as an associate.  Some may want to get to know you a little first before they leave a comment.  My suggestion is to comment why you added them in the beginning, then as you get to know that associate, and grow that relationship, you can go back in and change the comment to reflect that. Now, the true test...let's see if you really come back for this answer!!  LOL!

Rolando - I am sure you could find a pet peeve if you wanted to, you just seem to be to nice a guy to admit it!  Thanks for your kind comment, this thread is just an example of the AWESOME members who have commented on it.  Without them, AND YOU, this post would have already died and gone to cyber-heaven. :-)

 

Joan - I have seen many who blog and never come back to comment.  I am sure they read the comments, but they just don't reply.  How rude!! :-) I was going to leave my response to you for the very last...just to see if I could ruffle your feathers a little. haha. But, I am way behind on commenting back as you can see.  You commented back on the 28th of August and here it is the Sept. 2nd.  You have probably written me off, and won't even be back to read this reply to your comment, but it's here if you do! LOL!~ 

Lashon - glad you liked my graphics on this one.  I get asked that question very often, so my next post will reveal my secret on "How I come up with this stuff". :-) 

Don - I was using word to do my blogs, but now I just save in draft mode...FREQUENTLY!!  Nothing worse than losing a good post or 15 comments in the box!! LOL! COL! (Cry Out Loud) I always back up my posts in Word once they are written, proofed, spell-checked and submitted!

David and Kristin - thanks for the hall pass, I needed it and appreciate that very much! Thanks!  

Jeffrey - I hope this post helps you out a little, it's good to catch these habits early on so you can help other newbies as they join.  Feel no guilt, that's not the intent...feel the love!! LOL!

Jennifer - well you hit one that I an guilty of for sure!!  I rate the posts about 30% of the time.  I will try and make an effort to do better in that area.  Maybe because we don't see the results of our ratings and others, it's less motivating to do it. I get why we do it, but no one sees it but the moderators and internal folks at AR. It would be cool if there were a section on rated posts for ALL members to see. From a great comment like yours, come some great ideas like this one. Thanks!! :-) (Did you rate my post? , Guess I'll never really know!! :-))

Debbie - My father is doing ok right now, it's been a tough road these past few days.  I agree with your comment on spelling. What you write on your posts and in your comments is your signature of who you are!  I think people should always remember that their finished product in anything in life should have their signature of "QUALITY" on it. Unfortunately, some just don't care.  Thanks for your kind thoughts and words about DAD, life is precious and should not be taken for granted! 

Cynthia - don't feel guilty, if doing better is what you got from this post, then it was well worth the time I put in to creating it! :-) 

Theresa - glad this post was helpful to you. Welcome to AR, I know you'll learn a lot here and make lot's of friends! I am sure glad I'm here, the opportunities are endless!

Frank - glad you found the draft. Not the Military one, or the beer one, but the Activerain one!!  LOL!~

Sarah - reading and commenting is a good way to start on AR, it will actually help you find your own voice and how you want to present it. Don't procrastinate too long, you need to just start writing, it will get better with every post, I promise! Just do it!!  :-) 

Karen - you are too funny!  I do like the idea about "Brad's Bugs" but just the words themselves make me start itching all over!! LOL!  Glad you enjoy my "Bite Size" pieces of tips, tricks, and techniques, I enjoy the comments and writing them too!

Rick and Lynn - thanks for coming back to mine and for such a nice comment!  It was a great example for others to see how reciprocating to each other really works. Maybe someone will take the time to see what we have said about each other in our comments. That doesn't matter as much as it does that they are honest and sincere comments. Thanks again! B-) 

 

Lola - thanks for you appreciative comment.  I hate losing posts and comments more than anything else!!

Jack - thanks, Dad is doing better now that he knows his son would "Drop His Blog" to come see him! LOL
Seriously, he just needed a reason to go on. He is very ill,  and suffering terribly, but his spirit is lifted  and his heart is in the right place now.  I am so glad I took some time to go be with him.  Thanks Jack for caring! :-)

Anya - thank you, glad this post gave you some things to think about. Don't be hard on yourself, just did this to open the eyes of those who might need it...me included!  Some great comments here and some things I didn't even consider...like rating posts, man am I guilty on that one! :-) 

Esko - thanks for your comment, I am glad you found this information to be a good primer for members.  It seems to have created a pretty good thread while I was away!

Joshua - heartbreak and depression are not good. I am glad you have found an alternative way to avoid the H&D syndrome! LOL! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. (Notice I only comment back to 5 at a time? This cuts down on my Heartbreak and Depression when I lose them!) :-)

 

Tracy - thanks! To complain about a pet peeve without a solution or tip seems unethical to me! LOL! glad you liked this one.

Sandi - thanks for your thoughts and prayers regarding my Dad, him and I really appreciate that. In refernce to adding an animated graphic, here is an instructional post on "How To" for you. How to upload an Animated Gif.
This was posted by my good friend Mike Mueller. Hope it helps. Let me know if you need any assistance after you review it.

Juliet - Me Hates it too, but some just don'ts care! Great comment with excellent points!! :-) 

Gail - thanks for your thoughts and sharing your comment to Juliet, I know that some MLS's do have trouble with their HTML and the symbols we use in our writing everyday. Seems they need to get that corrected, especially if the public is reading what's been written. 

Roy - glad you enjoyed this post, looks like we all have some areas we can improve on...me too! 

 

 

David - I created a group for listing posts and Gena Reide has too.  Members can post in the Active Rain MLS Online group if they need a place to put their listings. I know you know this already, this would be for other members reading this post and comments. Thanks my friend! B-)

Jeff - No pet peeves? Wow! I am impressed, I think it's just because you're a nice guy and look at all the good things in life and not the dis-likes.  I agree about new members just dropping the ball, it's their loss, not ours!

 

John Occhi -  I think it's time that you get over this whole thing about getting enough points to pass any other member.  You should focus on your blog and the business it can generate. I'd hate to add you as my 8th pet peeve! LOL! 

Seriously though, If being in the 8th position in California is so important to you, Gena is now in your spot and I don't recommend you chasing or commenting that you have a "Target on her Back". haha!  You're a good guy, but I think you're beating a dead horse.  In all that's fair and sporting in your blog and comments, it really is time to:

                                                

Thanks for the fun and the challenge, but I have to move on now, I hope you will too!  :-)

Yolanda - thank you so much for your thoughtful comment.  My family really truly and sincerely appreciate that. When someone leaves a comment like yours having nothing to do with this post at all, it tells me what kind of a wonderful person they really are. You are the kind of person that I pride myself in knowing and being affiliated to. I shared your comment and others with my father while in Arizona, and he couldn't believe how many people were wishing him the best and he didn't even know them. It gave him a renewed and changed spirit. Thanks for helping to lift his spirits and mine too! You ROCK!!  B-)

Dan - those speling an gramr postts just driv me knots!  Y cannot peple git that?  Gess itss somting well haff to liv with eh? LOL!  Great comment Dan, thanks!!  Thanks for your thoughts and concerns for my pa!

Dionne - you are so sweet. You will see me around town now that I'm back.  I plan on being at the Wednesday MLS tour next week, maybe I'll see you there?  Thanks for the wonderful and humbling comment! :-) 

Gary - it's only a pet peeve when you leave nine comments in the box and then lose it when you click on submit comment. This has happened to many of us, so now I just limit it to 4 or 5 comments at a time...just in case.  

 

Darlene - I can't do my next post till I finish commenting on this one...you know...one of my pet peeves! LOL!
Thanks for your comment and your kind thoughts and prayers.  I am almost done here, then it's off to the creating table for my next post.  So much to share, so little time, so many friends...thanks! :-)

Todd - you're welcome, glad you enjoyed! 

Joddie - you are such a great contributer to my posts! Thank you. I see many "points only" members and I think it's the addiction to be in first place or the featured agent in their area.  This is probably the only downside to the whole point system on AR.  Here's a deep thought, what if AR didn't give points? What if they just stopped? Would it hurt membership or help more members to post freely and with more quality? This might be a better motivation instead of creating the irresistible urge to be #1. Just a thought, does anyone REALLY READ this stuff? Hmmm...this may qualify as another pet peeve! LOL!~  :-)  My real pet peeve is not having enough time in the evenings to make it around to ALL THE POSTS (like yours), that I'd like to comment on and support. Reciprocating on others posts is the most successful and important thing you can do for your Blog on AR. I am working on that area right now more than any other!!  

Corina - thank you and Welcome to AR. There are some great writers and bloggers on this network, I hope you'll enjoy finding the ones that interest you most.  I have over 200 blogs that I subscribe to, (might explain why I can't get around to comment on them all), but each of them definitely worthy of being read and commented on. Good luck in your endeavors, and my blog and door are always open to you if you need. :-)

Aaron - I feel your pain. I once spent over an hour putting together a post regarding the City I work in for Localism.com, and I accidentally hit the "BACK" button on my browser! Man! That Hurt!!!  I even did a post about it .  I called it...  ACTIVE RAIN - YOU CAN'T GO BACK! Pretty hilarious! Note pad is a great idea! I guess we all have to learn the hard way sometimes....unless of course you can find a post like this before you do it. :-)

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU for making this post as meaningful and useful as you have. Your comments, ideas, support and sincerity are truly appreciated, and will never taken for granted!  I wish the best to each of you in your life journeys.  This has certainly been a great journey for me, what a learning experience!!  B-)

Awesome post Brad! I am guilty of a couple of those forementioned frustrations. I really did enjoy reading your post and will be adding you as an associate! All the best.

Dominic - I was just sitting here wondering who would make the 100th comment !  Thanks for adding me.....don't forget pet peeve number 1. (LOL)

I'll check out your blog, your profile, your web-page, then once I run your SS#, your license and your license plates, I might add you as an associate too!!  ROFL!  (I hope that you know I'm totally just kidding) I am honored that you have added me, and thanks for the "triple digit" comment!! :-) 

Thanks Brad! I appreciate the background check....it's been a while so let's see what comes up. Hopefully the indecent exposure charge has been removed from Las Vegas ;)

WooHoo!!!!!! I'm number 103!!! Now you know my lucky number is 203 so part of this comment is lucky. I like all your ideas. I can't understand why some people have no idea how to use spell check before they hit 'submit comment'. How hard can that be? Thanks for listening!  lol

Brad,
You're right..the R thingie has created this bond.  And I am truly appreciative of your efforts.  You will be happy to know that I tried it on another laptop and it worked.  It seems that my laptop was the problem the whole time!  Computers..can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em!!  The thing is, you took the time to help, and that means a great deal to us!  Heck, you even offered to come out here and fix it for me!!

Dominic - everything checks out ok!!  The Las Vegas thingy was not as obvious as the Lottery that you won there.  It Looks like I have a billionaire as an associate now!!  You know the one I'm talking about right?  The article says that you won the Billionaire Lottery!?!  Yeah, $1 dollar a year for 1 Billion Years! LOL! :-)

 

Lizette - thanks for poppin by! Sorry I'm not at 203 yet, I wouldn't hold my breath!! LOL!  I am not so picky about spelling because I do use the spell check when I am not in a hurry!  I have to confess, when I hurry, I make a lot of unintentional typos. I am a true believer of spell check!  For me personally, my worst word for some reason is always........Thnaks! :-)

D & K - you know I'd do anything for you guys!! Truly is a shame you aren't closer...physically that is!!  :-)
Glad we narrowed it down to a laptop with "attitude"! LOL! Don't let the laptop know that you know!! hahaha!!

Hey - great post. I personally can't stand the blatant cut and paste bloggers. ...no names. Points are great! But Blogs help you and your web site get rated on search engines. Referrals , friends! Anyway - Hope your blog helps everyone! 

 

Darn, I'm a peeve!  I usually add members as associates and RARELY leave comments.  Bad me...will remedy that.  It's hard to come up with something appropriate when you really don't know someone all that well -- will have to find a genuine way to fix that! Helpful contribution; thanks!

Brad,
You're making me emotional now! It does feel like we're old friends, huh?

Brad, you were so busy today. Answering, all day!

I admire how you acknowledge your responsibilities when you know you should be with family. And you are too! But, you still find the time to take care of your friends!

I am a fan!

David

Paul- great point! Plagiarism is an absolute NONO!! There is more to that one than just being a pet peeve! IT's ILLEGAL! Copy written material that is cut and pasted can be very dangerous to your Blog!  Thanks for reminding us all of that one!

Antoinette - YOU ARE NOT A PEEVE!!! When you add someone as an associate, there has to be a reason that you did.  Just put that into the comment section.  You can always go back and change it later once you get to know them a little better, heck you may even end up deleting them! LOL! (Hopefully not).  I have never deleted an associate that I have added in Active Rain! :-) 

David and Kirstin - old friends we ®! LOL! Thanks for the smile tonight, I needed that! :-)

David - glad you can see how hard I'm trying to run the "Circus" of life! LOL!  I was thinking about you and the email you sent, hope you got my reply! Thanks for being my fan.  I am one of yours too! :-)

 

Brad, I have added this post to my bookmark collection. Very informative tips. I like the one with drafting a post to word first.

Chuck - to be a part of your collection is an honor, like any collection though, don't let me collect dust! LOL! Thanks my friend, I appreciate that!

Great tips, I didn't have time to read all the comments, looks like fun.

Thanks Ray - more fun than one person should be allowed to have...if they have the time! LOL!   Now go get some sleep! :-)

Good Post... I stumbled upon this site looking for a blog for a realtor friend of mine that is less than computer saavy.... And I LOVE it here...  It's great how everyone helps one another and I appreciate all these tips.   Now I have to figure out where to find who I've made associates and tell them why!

 Thanks again.

Chrissy

Yes, Brad, just read your email and thank you! ; )

Great pic, We had a beagle when I was a child, great dog (and coon hunter!)

 Have a great labor day!

David

Chris - just click on my associates from your profile page. You can make all your modifications there. Let me know if you need any help with that.  Glad you found this place and my blog! Your friend is invited too!  :-)

David - grandpa had a beagle growing up, but she was a rabbit chaser and a people barker!!  LOL!  I was too little to remember anything else.  I do know her name was Ginger and her brother was Suki.  I was only 7 years old. Enjoy your Holiday and DO NOT LABOR too hard! :-)

Chrissy, you sure stumbled onto the right place to grow your business and your mind!

I "found" AR in July and have learned more here in 2 months than in the last 5 years of my required CE in Ohio! I am not kidding.

Welcome, David!

PS. Keep an eye on Brad here! He really contributes some great stuff. I have borrowed more from him than anyone on AR! And he doesn't even care......

Thank you - I'm glad I'm here

David - thanks for your endorsement, you are too kind!! :-)

Karen - We're glad you are too!  

I'm sure I made few of these mistakes!

Mark - and that's the only way we learn!  Now you know, so you can help someone else from making them too!

It's a beautiful thing!! :-) 

Good stuff Brad!  Great food for thought for this new AR member!

Brian - it's only good stuff if you can avoid making these same mistakes we all have.  As a new member, you are fortunate as these types of posts did not exist when many of us joined.  Unfortunately, many of us still make the same mistakes as veterans of AR. Welcome aboard and best wishes to you in your AR travels! :-)

Brad,  Exce;llent post.  Good reminder for those of us not too familiar with the rules here.  Thanks again.

Great Post -that's my pet peeve, and I'm guilty of doing this time and time again. It takes so much out of me to find something to write about as it is. I read so many great posts, but "comment block" comes over me.

Those are some very valid points.  Thanks for probably expressing what others have thought. :)

You are so right about the #3 group. There are many blogs that I read that I can't believe that people would actually post for the world to read!!!! I know that there are many agent sthat are only on AR for the google placement!

Bill - thanks! On AR, there are no rules, just a bunch of friendly members willing to help you find your way! :-)

Leigh - sounds like a great Title for a post to me! "The other side of writers block, comment block"  you can always start off in the comments with "Great Post" just don't stop there. One sentence, as to why you feel that way, is always sufficient.  Do you know how many readers view posts, read the whole darn thing, and then don't even comment?  Just look at any group and you'll see. The numbers are staggering.  Sounds like another great post, I think I'll do that one! LOL! :-)

 

Christi - I am certain many others have thought...look at all these comments! LOL!  Really though, this post has probably been more helpful to others, than it ever was a "pet peeves" post!  For that, I am grateful! Thanks!

Tina - they'll get google placement alright, but what they won't get, is the quality of readers and committed relationships if they aren't careful.  Great comment, thanks! 

I just did number 7 earlier. I guess that is better than #2. I have learned so much from all of you and am always trying to be a better Rainer.

This will teach you to write such great posts. You spend all your valuable time answering!

Just kidding my friend, I know you love it! I am so glad we have people like you here on AR!

It keeps me coming back.

Your friend, Raccoon man!

David

John - I had to laugh, you stirred up an old memory of when my mother used to ask me if I had to go #1 or #2?  She only would ask this when we wanted her to pull the car over! haha  Yes, # 7 is a common mistake that many of us make and don't even realize it.  I usually catch my #7's because I try to proof my comments even after I submit them.  I am sure you will turn out to be an exemplary rainer!! :-)

David - yes, I have learned my lesson!! LOL!  Thanks, and keep coming back, it's always an honor and a privilege to have you here.  Here's a small token of my appreciation!

Dedicated to David Childress "Raccoon Man"!!!!!! :-) 

Brad - This was very informative, I never used the comment section of adding associate, now I appreciate why I should. Checking the box to be notified is also a good idea, I turned it off because I was getting more email than I could handle.

Jennifer - the comments indeed reflect a great deal of reference and referral potential.  What you type in that box could make all the difference in the world for that associate.  I don't check the box either on the comments of a post, the email is too much.  Instead, I keep my history of comments on my home page, and go back to check the ones I am waiting for responses on.  I never ever check the box on a featured post either, too many comments and emails come when I do. 

I guess we all make mistakes - thanks for the valid reminders

 Great pointers and thanks for putting so many of my thoughts into verse.  It's also good to remember that the internet is permanent and can slap you in the fanny if you're not nice.  So remember the Golden Rule.....

I am guilty of AR blunders!  I never really understood the associates thing.  I do have another pet peeve to add. . . someone who joins and then loads 10 blogs in one day that are obvious reproductions of materials they had on hand, and then they drop off the face of the earth. Why bother ---  total misunderstanding and misuse of the community!

Brad:  What an excellent post.  I will print it, and then use it as a great information source for several of my upcoming team meetings.  Thanks a bunch !

By the way, in reading the comments on this post, I noticed that you are in Arizona taking care of your father.  How is he doing?  My thoughts are with you.

And... where did you get that excellent graphic, or whatever you call it... about Brad Has Left The Building, and then the little animation below it.  It is too cool.  Where can I find it ?  Can you puhleeeze send me a link ?   Karen Anne

Brad.....wow!! Nice post, man. I'm a "newbie" on here and just feeling my way around...  appreciate the tips coming in.  Thanks for the help. Hope all's well w/the family.   Lotsaluck   Regards, John

Dana - isn't that the truth!!  I have made plenty in my lifetime, glad to help any way I can.

Lenore - nobody better slap me in the fanny! LOL!  My fanny slaps back! :-) The golden rule is good, how does it go again?  Do unto others and then split? hahaha (just kidding) thanks for your comment! :-) 

 

Lori - we are all blunder busters, just more conscious of it now.  I like your addition to the pet peeves list, I have seen many of these when I go to welcome new members.  They joined today and there are 10 posts already on their blog.  I like to welcome new members on their "First" post, but the one's you're referring to, I have to scroll all the way down 2 miles to get to the first post!  I say... they're new, so we should cut them some slack and try to educate them with posts and comments like these. Thanks!! :-)

Karen - thanks for the print and for sharing, I am honored you would do that.  My father is better emotionally but not physically.  He read some of these comments and was truly touched by so many he doesn't even know or has never met.  It was hard for him to understand this new technology of blogging and the internet. He almost passed out when he saw I had a TREO phone and all the things it could do. When I took a picture of us with the phone, he said, "I can't believe thi stuff, who creates this stuff and how?"  The latest and greatest technology he has in his home is a cd player built into his stereo.  I bought him a digital picture frame while I was there and it was more than he could handle. He simply couldn't believe this technology was even out there.  He does not get out of his home and hasn't in about 7 or 8 years!  I put over 100 family photos on it for him including this one I took with my TREO: Thanks Karen and everybody for letting me share this bit of personal meme here!

Gunner Andersohn 82 & Son Brad Andersohn 21 ;-) 

Karen Anne - I got so caught up in my reply comment to you, I almost forgot to answer your question. The "Left The Building" graphic is from www.GlitterMaker.com.  You can create any text you want, then add it to your site or blog real easy. If you need help, you just call, and I'll be there! There is another great site that does not brand the glitter text, go to www.imagechef.com to use theirs.  That's also where I got the license plates for this post.  

John - welcome to AR, so you're a new member (I never did like the word newbie) you'll find that there is a ton of great posts and super members here.  Thanks for the kind comment, and best of luck to you as well. Thanks John.

Brad I have to admit that I have committed a few of these "crimes" when I first joined. After being here for a little while I have realized my mistakes!

Thanks Brad ... great list of things to avoid ... wish i had found this several months ago.

I'm still pretty new on AR and I appreciate the advice.

Am I the "lucky 100" poster? Truly a great blog for a newbie like me. I was wondering about the right way to add associates. Now, if I could just get past writer's block. I have several projects saved in notepad to finish. I even thought about blogging about that under utilized program. I couldn't live without it.

Love this place and have learned so much. There are some brilliant and generous folks here. Glad to hear your dad is doing well.  

Ok, I'm with you up to the last one? How can they submit comment without entering the graphics??

Great post especially for a newbie, like me.  I am definitely guilty of not completing my profile.  I do have my picture and have posted a blog.  I am just having a hard time with my profile being that I am new to the business.  I see profiles that are so thorough, that I don't think mine will look or sound that good.  I guess, though, that something would be better than nothing!  I will work on it!  Thanks!

Ann - everyone does. Thanks!!

Larry - wish I had written it months ago, I could have used it myself....I still need it! LOL!

Seth - use the force!  haha  These are just tips, not laws!  Have fun! :-)

 

Debbie - you can be "the lucky"  whatever you want!  :-)  You should do a post about whatever makes you and your readers happy, even if that's notepad.   Just have fun with it, write and they will come!  :-) Thanks!!!

Ann - you can't submit a comment without entering the graphic, but if you click the "Submit Comment" button twice after you do, then you end up posting the comment "twice" as demonstrated here.  LOL!  This comes from the impatient blogger who keeps clicking away on the button because the computer screen doesn't change quick enough for them. hahaha!  AR won't let you submit without the graphic, it's there to prevent spam. Thanks.

Ann - you can't submit a comment without entering the graphic, but if you click the "Submit Comment" button twice after you do, then you end up posting the comment "twice" as demonstrated here.  LOL!  This comes from the impatient blogger who keeps clicking away on the button because the computer screen doesn't change quick enough for them. hahaha!  AR won't let you submit without the graphic, it's there to prevent spam. Thanks.

Roberta - you should use other profiles to get some ideas, but don't be intimidated by them.  Your Profile page should be like your web-page or homepage where people can find out the most about you. Just be honest, sincere, and be you. That's what others want to see. Just go for it.  It's also something you should update regularly so people will keep coming back to check it out. :-)

Great picture of Gunner, Brad....he looks great!

David

21 dog years, heh??

David - did I say 21?  Ooopps, I must have transposed the numbers!!  LOL! :-) 
I'm off to a football game tonight! Ciao!!

Hey Brad you committed mistake #1 on my association!! :o}

Sandy - that's not true.  ;-) If I don't comment on yours it's because you added me first, and didn't comment on mine, now I just got an email saying you have made an update or change, thanks, so I did reciprocate! That's a great example of how this works. Thanks for helping to show this example to other readers. :-)

Ok, I took your advice and commented on most all of mine!  Have a great day!

Brad,  You are a very smart guy that take common sense to the next level

Sandy - i need to do that too!  You're making me look bad!!  LOL! :-)

Thanks Adam, I appreciate the compliment and the comment!  :-)

Thanks Adam, I appreciate the compliment and the comment!  :-)

Brad,

I learned alot from you post!  Some I have been doing, but I have forgotten to mark with a 5 a few times!  I will do better.  My problem is getting the blogging going.  I love to read all the others though.

Candy - what a sweet name!!  :-)  There are some great posts on getting your blogging going,  try this link for a good start.  Blogging 101 resources! 

Excellent post! I went back through #1 and made sure I had a comment on everybody in my associates list. Thank you!

Julie - You set a great example for myself and others, thanks for doing that, I need to do this as well, just keep running out of time.  Glad to see that you got some value out of this post, I hope others (including myself) will too!

Good guidelines for a newbie like me..

Thanks for the post 

Joe - don't mention it, that's why many of us are here, we love to help new members grow inside and outside of Activerain.  Glad you found tis post and the content to be useful. Don't hesitate to call if you ever need any assistance here, or with your business!  Thanks!!  :-)

Nope, Brad. I still think you've forgotten about me. I see no comments in my associations. :(

 

LaShon - you are absolutely right, I added you and didn't comment.  Must of been the time I fell asleep at the blog wheel! LOL!  Please forgive me, I'll make it up to you.  How about 25 points bonus toward your next comment! :-)  Thanks for not just letting it slip through the cracks, and for keeping me accountable.  Our reputation is all we have now a days!  You Rock!!  

Great post Brad, as a newbie the learning curve is so long. Posts like yours are so helpful. Thanks

Great post, I am subject to a check mark on almost every point. I think that (personal experience) many people join and than get cold feet. Thinking that what they say may sound stupid! 

Larry - I hope we can reduce that curve for you, that's the goal of these posts and the intent of my efforts. Thanks for commenting, and thanks for being a member here!

Jared - check out my most recent post, it addresses your exact point.  It's the Bloggers Startup Kit for new members. Hopefully, that will change for anyone who reads the post!  Thanks for your comment, excellent and very timely to boot!!  :-)

Gee..I was going to add my personal ones but i think we got em all covered. Just think how much better AR could be... oh well the human element

Perrin - sorry, I hope you don't feel left out, I'm sure you could come up with a couple peeves if you really wanted too. LOL!  You're sure right about the "Human Element", without it, post's like this just wouldn't be possible.  Thanks for your comment, it's truly appreciated and welcomed! B-)

Okay, Brad. You're off the hook now. :)

 

 

Brad - Thanks for the info. It is great that a newbie can come into a group with open arms. It makes the comfort level jump up quite a bit!
I have taken a quick look at that blog and plan on spending some time on it this afternoon or this evening. I am sure it is going to be another wonderful post, like most posts on "Rain" are!

Great post,

I agree.

I have to ask Brad - is that your back? I love it!

It's Raining here - so to speak! Kidding of course!

Ahhh!!!LOLOL

Karen

Great tips, the newbies will be able to use this as reference as they learn the ins and outs of Active Rain.

LaShon - thanks for your forgiveness, that hook was really starting to be a pain in my _ _ _!!

Jared - take your time and absorb all these great bloggers have to offer here. The ultimate goal is to grow your business here on AR.  There are so many valuable tools and benefits of a National Network like AR, the list is almost overwhelming. Good luck to you in all your endeavors, I look forward to witnessing your growth and successes here.

Karen - thanks!  Yes, that's my back...I think?!?  (not really) LOL!  It's pouring here, I think they call it HAIL! LOL!  Hope all is well with you and your rain!!  :-)

Linda - I still have to come back and read this once in awhile, it helps remind me and keep me accountable on the very things that are my own pet peeves. LOL! Funny huh?  :-)

The 8th Pet Peeve - Not Enough Time In The Day To "Get Er' Done!"

Another outstanding one Brad! I wish I would have read this when I was a new comer to AR as it would have helped immensely! I didn't even know that I was a violator of #2! Next time I add someone, I'll make sure to add a comment in there. When I was new, I wasn't sure what it was for :

Thanks Beth! We are all guilty, new and veterans. I still have to go back through all my associates and add comments, and I need to update the one's I do have comments in. You get to know people here better after time, so the comments should actually change.  Still, my problem is the 8th peeve above! LOL!

Thanks that was useful information.

Georgina - glad you found it to be useful.  Thanks for taking the time to comment!!  :-)

I'm new to AR...talk about information overload!  But it's great stuff, including your funny and 2-the-point post.  Thanks for the heads up, I wish I found this a few days ago....oops;-)

I think thats the beauty of what we do ,sometimes we dont have an instrution manual for what we do. Thank you for that useful info, Hopefully there can be a part Two of the seven mistakes ,kinda like from 7-14? I can help my clients better in NW Indiana with activerain.

Matt - welcome to AR!!  :-)  I have my degree in IO - information overload, but suck it up, this is nothing compared to what you'll learn in the next 90 days here!  This place is a phenomenal resource for you and your business. It gets easier as you go....so keep going, thanks for commenting!

Hey Todd - 7-14 sounds like a great idea, I think you should do a part II to this post!  I'm still trying to practice what I preach!!  LOL!  I think I broke all seven this past couple weeks, just seems like the clock is ticking faster and faster every day!  Know what I mean?  :-)  Thanks for commenting, I'm honored!!

Hey that #7 is a good one.Can I try it once?

Hey that #7 is a good one.Can I try it once?

I had such a good laugh.Thank you Brad.

Brad that is some good stuff of couse #7 has happened  to me a a few times

Brad, your post is still rallying strong! Your point #1 is still a tough one for me. Sometimes I get into conversation with someone and I like their opinions, so I add them as an associate. I don't necessarily feel that I know them that well, but I like to check in and see what they have to say. Should you not add someone as an associate without something profound to say about them?

Tommy - you're a bad boy!! Funny too!  I love it!  Now give me back 75 points you scallywag! LOL!  :-)
Always glad to host the Blog for a "Fun House" of a time! hahaha

Dan - #7 still haunts me to this day!!  See Tommy's comments? haha!  Thanks for commenting...ONE TIME! LOL!

Ryan - you can wait, but you might want to subscribe to their blog first, get to know them a little better via comments and exchanging conversations, then add them as an associate.  There really is no rules, or rule of thumb. I just feel that if you add someone, you should let them know why. Just me and my opinion my friend, doesn't mean it's right. :-)

Hi Brad:  Yes, your number 7 usually haunts me late at night when I have put off my comments until the end of the day, and then am trying to hurry through them to finish, because I am tired and want to go sleepie-pie.  Then, I hit the wrong key, or hit a link, and... bye bye unsubmitted comments.  Ouch.  As my grandmother used to say to me... "haste makes waste."

Grandma used to say lots of other things to me, but I cannot print any of those... LOL.

Brad - Sounds fair enough to me. Maybe the AR crew will come up with a more diversified system of friends. Since they took away the 5 star post rating maybe they will give us the 5 star associate rating. I would like to see the following options for associates.

AR's new Associates Categories

1) I blog with them if they are the only one else that is up at 3:00am

2) I associate with them because the occasionally write something intelligent.

3) General Associate - They are fun to blog with and generally insightful.

4) They are my buddy and I live to read their next post. 

5) I would lay down in traffic for this associate.

Just some thoughts...

Karen - that's too funny, as my eyes droop closed from reading so many posts and commenting all day!! LOL! Funny thing is, my Grandma used to say the same thing, and the other stuff I can't repeat either! hahaha  :-)

Ryan - so did you add me yet?  I love your reasons, but don't know you well enough to commit to#5, at least not yet! hahaha!  :-)  Thanks for the late night chuckle my friend!! I'll forward your request on to the AR Gods....

Brad - I guess that I don't know you well enough to add you as an associate by your rules. Maybe by next weekend we will have exchanged enough conversations, you will have bought me dinner and I will be ready to make a commitment. Until then Happy Blogging :-)

Ryan - Maybe by the end of the night we'll have exchanged enough conversations for you to add me, and then to fly me out so I can buy you dinner!  That would make us an association and not just associates!  ROFL!!  :-)

Brad - No, no. It has to take time. Plus I have to go to bed soon so I can get ready for the Seahawks game tomorrow.

Ryan - have it your way, but when you find out I'm a niners fan, you may never want to add me...but we can still be friends!!  Have a good night sleep, you'll need your rest to cheer on your team tomorrow.  :-)  zzzzzzzzzz

It's too bad that you are a 49're fan because I have 5 tickets to the MNF game in Seattle on November 12th. However my seats are reserved for Seahawk's fans only. If you want to go the game the Jerk that sits behind me sells his tickets on eBay for $150/seat every week. They are in Section 308 Row Z.

I like my arm-chair quarterback lazyboy recliner that has coins in the cushions and spilled beer on the foot rest...but if one of your seats comes available, it's possible I could be a Seahawks fan for the day!!  LOL

Brad, great blog!  It is so full of good tips and information.  I will just have to go and read all of your blogs from start to finish, especially now that I know you are a 49're fan.  I grew up in San Francisco and the Bay Area.  Keep up the great work!

Ernie - thanks a lot!  Glad you enjoy my ramblings here.  I grew up in the Bay Area as well, and I have been a niner fan since John Brodie was their quarterback and Gene Washington was their wide receiver.  We'll have to get together sometime for a game or just to shoot the breeze!  Thanks for your comment...GO NINERS!!

Hey Brian I'm glad you liked the joke. If you don't mind can you tell me what's a SCALLYWAG?And I was just curious who is LOL your girlfriend (Lola)?Are you a owner of AR?It looks like you know a lot about blogging.By the way I followed your advice with the settings page.Hope it works.

Tommy

Hey Tommy - it's pirate talk, you know shipmates at sea?  Ever watch Pirates of the Carribean?  Just poking some fun at you, that's all!!  :-)  LOL = means to "Laugh Out Loud!"  Another acronym for internet slang! :-)

:-) = is a smiley face even though he's on his side, it doesn't mean anything accept a smile. 

As far as being an owner here on AR, I can say I have a vested interest, but no, I am not the owner.  I know just enough about blogging to be dangerous my friend! haha!!  Let me know if you need any additional help with your settings page. That post was pretty thorough eh?  Thanks Tommy, have a great week!  :-) 

Yes you're right. Very thorough. Thank you very much for taking the time.I appreciate all your knowledge, and I'm trying to take you as a positive example in AR.I really think you're the best blogger out there.

Tommy

Brad - Sorry to hear about the 49'ers, bla bla bla.

So did you see the Seahawks beat the Rams 33 - 6? It was pretty fun and the cheerleaders were so nice :-)

 

 

Ryan:  I was wondering if the four of you in the picture were playing for one of the semi-pro teams, or perhaps in a recreational league ?  If so, I predict that at least two of you will be called for a "backfield in motion" penalty.

Karen - It was clearly recreational and I can say that a good time was had by all.

Sorry Brad, I think we are getting a little off topic here on your post.

Yeah Right, Ryan:   Looks a lot more like a fantasy league to me... <grin>  If that is the case, I think one of your main problems will be that there really IS a time limit on how long you can stay in the huddle during a game.  Sorry guys.

Karen - Thats just how Seahawks fans do things :-) We were hanging out in the VIP lounge of Seahawk Stadium and there were some Cheerleaders visiting up there before the game. How could we pass up a photo opportunity like that?

Ryan:  There is no way you could pass up a photo opportunity like that.  And, I am sure the cheerleaders were just as excited about being with you as you were about being with them.  Good Hunting !

Brad, you're da man!  (my shortest post ever)

Tommy - you're the bomb!  Thanks for such a kind comment. I really appreciate your compliment, that was really nice my friend! Thanks!  :-)

Ryan - is that really you in the photo? (just kidding)  I'm glad Your Seahawks beat the RAMS!  But I'm really bummed my niners lost!  :-((

I missed the game and it's probably better that I did...the neighbors don't like Sundays during football season around my house! LOL!  Good thing my house isn't listed for sale! haha!!  :-) 

Now you and Karen go ahead and carry on .........  B-)

Chuck - LOL!  That's one of the 7 Active Rain Pet Peeves and Mistakes To Avoid!  haha! Thanks Chuck!

Karen Anne - you are too funny!  I could write you a citation for trying to hi-jack my post here, but I was laughing too darn hard to even consider it. LOL!  Thanks for having some fun here with Ryan, no pet peeves with that!  Play nice though, Ryan's my friend and I want some of those tickets he gets to Seahawks Games....to see the players of course....    :-)

Brad,

I have been an AR member for about a week now. I just experienced #5 yesterday as I always learn the hard way. Great Post....funny too!

Jennifer

Jennifer - First of all, WELCOME to Active Rain!  Glad to see you're a member here. Secondly, I am truly sorry this happened to you before you found this post!  It's only funny a few days later when you can look back and say, "man, I'll never do that again!!"  :-)

Thanks for your blog. New to ActiveRain. Can't wait to see what it has to offer.

Thanks for the tips. I'm still learning the ropes here.

Spencer - Welcome, you'll love this place...good luck here!  :-)

Rebecka - you're welcome, learning the ropes here is a good thing, just don't get yourself all tied up by them! LOL!  :-)

New to the blogging world.... Thanks for the tips

Wisi - welcome aboard, we're happy you've joined! Enjoy it here, this is a fantastic and supportive community. :-)

Brad - Bookmarked. Excellent advice for both newbies and veterans. Thanks

Tom - thanks, these are just some items that were my personal pet peeves! :-)  I am guilty of some of my own complaints! LOL!  Enjoy!!  

Brad - I'm new to AR abd the whole idea of blogging. This was great - It should be a required for all new folks to read. I think alot of people get signed up AR and dont really know about it.  My SEO guy signed me up in August and I just figured out what AR was last week.

Keith - welcome my friend.  Your SEO guy signing you up here tells me he's a pretty sharp guy and that you should probably listen to him! :-)  If you need any assistance here, let me know.  I'd be happy to help you any way I can.  Thanks Keith, have a great weekend! B-)

Yikes, I joined three days ago and I've already made several of the mistakes.  Please remember my intentions are good, (Im reading this!) but I'm climbing the learning curve...

Norma - Welcome to AR, this place ROCKS!!! You have to make mistakes to learn here. I've made them all ad still do.  I know your intentions are good, no need to convince me! (BIG SMILE)  You will meet some great people, learn tons about blogging, and hopefully grow your business here.  Let me know if you ever need anything at all, be happy to help or at least send you in the right direction if I can. Thanks!  :-)

Hi Brad:  Actually Brad... You Rock !  I have only been on AR for about ten weeks now, but I have read and commented quite a bit.  I really must say that your posts, and your incredible explanations... are the best "thought out" and the best "presented" of any I have seen.  You really have a great way of "giving back"... and I for one really appreciate you.  Thanks so much !

Brad, I have most likely lost more points than I have accumulated--always after an extra effort blog. I make myelf feel better by thinking it must be Providence's way of protecting me from myself--maybe the blog was all wrong, may I had an "attitude"... There is a lot of unattached info floating around in cyber space. It was not only the back button, but getting used to tabs as well.

Karen Anne Stone - with a comment like that, I could just pack up, move on, and be completely satisfied and fulfilled with my work here!!  Your comment affirming I'm ready to take on the next challenge in life, feeling that I have achieved the maximum reward here for my efforts...a comment like yours!!   One of the nicest comments I have ever received, right up there at the top!  Sincerely and honestly, thank you!  :-)))

Suzi - I have done the same, and tried to chalk it up to the same reasons, but then realized, it was just operator error! LOL!!!!  One time, it was at no fault of mine or the browser.  Active Rain decided to service the system late one night and when I went to submit post..... POOF...it was gone. ERROR READING PAGE!  That one really did me in, and talk about "keywords"! hahahaha!  Thanks for coming by and taking the time to comment, so many just come by and R&R....(Read and Run)  :-)

Good job!  That definitely took some time and thoughtfulness

Brad, I've had number 5 happen to me before, spent an hour writing a post and hit the back button for some reason and as you said... bam, it's gone. Very frustrating.

Dana - you have no idea! LOL!  Thanks for your comment! 

Mike - #5 has happened to everyone of us. I think even those who read this post still have to experience it first hand before they really get it.  This is how we have to learn sometimes. People can tell us and try to teach us, but some things we just have to learn on our own the hard way.  Look on the bright side, now you got #5 out of the way, so you can work on the others like the rest of us! LOL!  Thanks for commenting and believe me, I have felt your pain! :-)

I don't know how I missed this post.  I am guilty of at least one of these and am in the process of fixing it.

HI Brad - Thanks for helping some of us newbies out! I am very guilty of surfing through and reading the posts for knowledge and new ideas!  So guilty of not always leaving comments!  I have to say though, if many would take the time to read some of the valuable ideas posted throughout the site they could pick up on some great tips to grow their business.  My new goal is to at least THANK the person that starts the post to generate the awesome feedback instead of reading and moving on!  I do it mostly out of excitement for what is yet to come!   Thanks again!

 

Randy - I am still guilty of numerous ones!  Pet peeve #8...not practicing what I preach! LOL!  Aloha my friend!

Toni - thanks for being so honest and for also being willing to change that.  Your comment means more to the writer than you know.  It's your comment that build credibility to the post.  Face it, a Blog Post with no comments really has no merit or power. Once you see there are 40 comments, it draws you in to thinking this must be good information and useful stuff.  So leaving a comment on every post you read isn't always a mandatory thing, it's more an appreciation thing and a respect for the author.  It's is a great way to say thanks as you so beautifully put it.  Thank you for your comment, I hope to be by your blog soon to return the favor and the appreciation. :-)

thanks for the tips. as a new member i will be sure to check these out and make the most of ar. trevor

Welcome Trevor, let me know if you need any help or have any questions.  I have done a whole series of "How To's" here on AR.  Feel free to browse my Blog for more of these post!  Thanks, and good luck! :-)

Great tips...thanks for your time and effort for training new arrivals!!!

Great post. I have been a member now for about a week also. I am glad for the early heads up.

Nicholas - Welcome my friend!  You'll love playing in the rain!  There's great opportunities here to grow your business and build relationships! Thanks for commenting!  Happy Holidays!!  :-)

Cody - Glad to see you joined AR!  I wish you the very best in your Blogging experience, and hope you'll continue to Blog here and invite others!  Active Rain is a HUGE benefit to you, your clients, and your business!  :-)

You appear everywhere ! and always with great information. I am always impressed with your knowledge and style of your blog. Thanks.

To be fair - Nick is the one who invited me - but how do I show that in my profile ??

 

Richard - thanks for the compliment!  If Nick invited you here and you signed up through him, it should show up on your profile page that way.  If not, let Nick know so he can be sure to get that corrected.  Thanks for stopping by Richard, you're always welcomed at my Blog!  :-)

Brad - Thank you and I will be visiting your blogs in the future, they are very informative and cover a lot of topics.  I will let Nick know.  Thanks.

Interesting post.  I have broken a few of your rules! Jamie

Jamie - what's more interesting is that I had to break them all to be able to come up with this post, and what's funnier, is I still do!  I'm getting better though....I think! LOL!   :-)

Talk about fitness, NW Indiana sure did get hit hard with that snow storm. I was out the whole morning  shoveling my driveway,lol.

Todd - is that a pet peeve or a good excuse to Blog more! LOL!  I have shoveled snow and know what a workout it is.  You guys sure did get hit hard with it!  Get a cup of java, set the shovel on the porch, and use the time to just sit back and relax, and most of all, enjoy the "White Christmas Holiday!"  :-)

Hi Brad

 Thanks for the help..  Now I have a question for you.  When I first signed up I registered as a real estate sales person instead of real estate agent.  Is there anyway to change this?    

Great Information Brad.... I have saved it for future refernce.

Cindy - you are very welcome!  There is a way to change it, but it has to be done by Active Rain support.  Here is a link to contact them, there is also a link at the bottom of every page within AR in the lower right hand corner.  This is the only way you can change roles.  Let me know if you need any additional help with anything here. Enjoy your time Blogging here, this place has a very unique impact on every member who joins.  :-)

Contact ActiveRain

Roland - glad you enjoyed this post!  Come on back anytime, great to have you here!  :-)

I am guilty of some of these peeves. I often read blogs and don't comment. I felt like that would be commenting for points. Many times all the relevant comments have been stated. Great post or Thanks for the post seems like the only thing left to write. Should I leave some sort of comment for every one that I read?

What is rating the blog?

I was guilty of cutting and pasting in Make It Right NOLA- I had never heard of it and wanted to share the info. I did credit where it came from. Was that a faux pas?

Should we only put our listings in the appropriate groups? I thought we posted in the blog- then checked the group.

I would like to thank AR member Lisa on the New Orleans West Bank for being so kind and helpful. (Maybe this isn't the right place!)

I am trying. Thanks for the patience with my learning curve.

 

Thanks Brad.

These are very good tips for newbies like myself. I will put to use immediately.

Happy Selling!
Tony Grego - Indiana  Mortgage Broker

Amy - we are ALL here to help any way possible.  Feel no guilt, you are forgiven. BIG SMILE!!  You just comment anywhere and anytime your heart desires.  Comments aren't just for points, they help establish relationships and also give the Blog writer credibility, or the opposite in some cases!  LOL!~

There are many things rating the blog as well as the comments...that's a post for another time.

Cutting and pasting is ok in some cases, giving credit is always due, I have an invite and welcome that I cut and paste to new and existing members all the time.  I have not been scolded yet!  :-)

The listings are to be posted in the proper groups, but they are are regular post, and added to the groups by checking the proper boxes.  So are ok with that one.

Lastly, you can thank Lisa here, but she may never see this comment lost in a post in my Blog, if you want her to know how much she's appreciated, write a comment in one of her posts, then add her as an associate and put a really nice comment there too, then finally, subscribe to her blog so you can keep up with all her posts as well. 

Amy, you're doing great here, just learn at your own comfortable pace, read, post, and comment, but most importantly, relax, enjoy yourself, be yourself, and just have fun.  There is too much to miss out on here to ever get frustrated, and just not come back!  OUCH....writers cramp kickin in..LOL!~  :-)

You know where to find me if you ever need anything at all....enjoy your weekend.  

Tony - got your back my friend!  :-)

Thank you for being so helpful :o)

 

Howdy Brad

How true it is very frustrating when someone adds you as an associate, I always look to see if the folks that added me, has writen something or not. If they have not. Then I do not write anything.

I have written things before and then gone back 2 or 3 days later to see if they have done the same for me.

I have also had some that would e-mail me and for me to make them an associate and that they would do the some in return. Only to find out they did not.

Heres another: What about the blogger that posts a question, and never says a thing after that.

Have a good one

Dale

Amy - no problem, happy to help if I can.  :-)

Dale - the blogger question and run technique, or as we like to say, the post and go method...never been much of a fan for that one either. We'll add it to the list my friend!  :-)

Dale - after reviewing my own post up a ways, "the question" pet peeve is #4.   Another pet peeve develops! LOL!

Howdy Brad

My friend

Thank you for adding it to your post.

It looks good

Have a good one

Dale

Dale - it's cool...you seem like a very "centered" person! LOL!~  :-)

Amen!! These are some of my pet peeves too

Anna - so nice to hear from you, it's been a while.  Glad I'm not the only one with a few peeves! LOL!~  B-)

Brad,

 

Everything you are writing is great info. Cheers! 

I loved the tips in your post so much that I just subscribed to your blog...I can't wait for the next segment...Thanks for the advice..

Alex - thanks my friend, it's nice seeing you around al my posts today.  I appreciate you taking the time to read and also comment!  Thanks!  :-)

DeVerie - I have a bunch of tips and how-to's at the bottom of my Profile page here on AR.  Just go up to my photo above and click on more about me, and it will take you to my profile page.  From there, just scroll down toward the bottom of the page and you will see them all there categorized for you.  Thanks and Enjoy!  :-)

I am learning and loving it so much here.  Thank you for your knowledge and willingness to share.  You are greatly appreciated.

Sonya - I'm glad you are learning here, there is so much to learn.  Just keep on reading, writing, and commenting, the rest comes in time.  Thanks for commenting, you are greatly appreciated!  :-)

Brad, this was a great post.  I wished you had written it a few months ago when I started, but I enjoyed every word you wrote.  Thanks

Very good tips wish you had written this one a while ago i would have not made some of these mistakes.  Good Post

Ruth - thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed this post! Hopefully others will find value in it as well.  :-)

Joey - we all have to make the mistakes to improve, I made all of these, so that's why I shared.  Hopefully to help others not make the same ones I did!  :-)

There are so many pet peeves that many members have, one that is often over looked though is the ability to have fun and enjoy yourself while contributing and enjoying your successes here on Active Rain.  Don't allow yourself to get caught up in the #1 pet peeve which is "Not Enjoying" your experiences here!!!!!!!!! 

Brad,  I really enjoy reading your blogs.  Being a "newbie" here on AR, I will try to take it all in and not make these mistakes.  I will now do a spell check! : )

This is great to let us newbies know what is right or wrong.  Thank you for the information.

Wow this is really good. Thanks Brad

Hi Brad, I haven't met you yet and wanted to introduce myself to you.  I've been on AR for a year, and of course still learning, but totally addicted.  I just took over a group, Texas Real Estate, since the founder has been missing in action since he formed the group, so come by and visit.  If you have time after answering comments on one post of 300+, WOW.

My pet peeve is AR does not have spell check for title or tags, and since I can't spell cat  it's a challenge.  Yes, I have said a few choice words after hitting a wrong button at the last minuet, so thanks for the tip.  Liz

Kristi - that spell check is a very cool tool!  :-)  Thanks for reading and enjoying my Blog! 

Susan - it's not that it's right or wrong, just some things I've noticed while "Playing In The Rain!"  :-)

Trevor - glad you enjoyed this post, feel free to add your comments anytime, they are always welcomed!  :-)

Hi Brad, I haven't met you yet and wanted to introduce myself to you.  I've been on AR for a year, and of course still learning, but totally addicted.  I just took over a group, Texas Real Estate, since the founder has been missing in action since he formed the group, so come by and visit.  If you have time after answering comments on one post of 300+, WOW.

My pet peeve is AR does not have spell check for title or tags, and since I can't spell cat  it's a challenge.  Yes, I have said a few choice words after hitting a wrong button at the last minuet, so thanks for the tip.  Liz

Hi Liz - nice to meet you! :-) I'll have to come check out your group.  I have also run into the "No Spell Check" for titles and keywords, what I do is put the words in the comment or post and then run spell check from there.  It's not the best solution but it's a good work around for now.  Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again soon. :-)

As a newbie this post helps me alot.  I love your blogs.  Packed with great info!   :  )

Thanks for the info - I'm a newbie and the associate portion of it was not completely understood.  Also - what is the my ads part of my profile?

Tina - thanks!  I love that members like you actually take time to read these posts and appreciate them!  :-)

David - The "ads" part allows you to post ads like the ones you see on the main page of AR or like you see all around the "rain".  There is a fee of course, but worth it if you're trying to get a message or product out to 75,000 industry professionals!!  :-)

Thanx for the great post...I think I will post this near my computer...I've made some of these mistakes as I am a newbie...oops...

Patrice - I have made them again and again, and that's after knowing and posting this over 6 months ago! LOL!~  :-) Go easy on yourself, most important thing here is to get value, but have fun at the same time!  :-)

I hate #5-Can't tell you how many times I've lost post for some stupid reason-drives me crazy!

Cindy - switch to Firefox or Flock as your browser, I have never lost a post since I started using those browsers.  I use Flock on a regular basis now and have not yet ever had any problems, lost any posts or comments, and it's sooooo much faster!  Check it out....try it!  

Brad...HI...I just noticed something that is FREAKY...help!! I have a button on my personal website to my blog, and just looked at it and since I am logged in, anyone can go to that link and post as me! Should I be using a different public url on my website to "my blog"?

OK....as I posted that...I had the thought...maybe it is only showing me logged in on my own computer since I AM????  On my...maybe I need another cup o java!!!

Brad great post.  All newbies need advise.  That is one of the best things about AR - everyone is so willing to help!

Debra - FREAKY is not good! LOL!~ Let me know your website so I can see what you mean. If what you are claiming is truly the case, we'll get you the right URL to correct it, but it might not really be as it appears. Shoot me a link so I can check it out for you. :-)

Debra - I just checked it out and you are fine!  The URL brought me to your profile page but I was still logged in as me. No worries. The proper URL for your link is http://activerain.com/debrakukulski and it works fine.  One thing you might want to consider is having the link go to your AR Blog instead of your profile. Just a thought. In that case your URL would be http://activerain.com/blogs/debrakukulski  Hope this helps.

BTW - pour me a cup while you're at it! LOL!~  

DeVismes - truly one of the greatest assets of members in the rain is their willingness to share and help others. We call it "Paying It Forward!"  :-)

Brad, thanks TONS for the quick response and calming my FREAK!! LOL

Great suggestion on the blog link...will do!!

Here's a fancy latte for you!!!!

Debra - slurp, slurp...mmmmm good!!  :-) Thanks, now go out and WIN the day!!  (BIG SMILE) 

I'm glad this one made it back to the surface Brad, very good tips and I'll try hard to heed your advice.

I like what you wrote above.  I'm new to Active Rain but am catching on pretty quick, thanks to posts like yours that give some good advice and direction.  Many Thanks

Jolynna

Bob - these posts do tend to resurface from time to time, kinda like those ol classics songs do! :-) These are some tips that I need to remember and implement as well.  I been slacking a bit lately!  

Jolynna - Welcome to AR, I think you'll love it here.  Let me know if you need any assistance while you're here playing in the rain with us.  Glad you've joined AR, and I hope your experiences, relationships and business grows in abundance!  Enjoy!!  :-)

I sure will, Brad, thanks:-)

Debra - I know you will.  The days are yours to be won or lost!  You're a WINNER!!  :-)

Brad....thanks for the encouragement!  I need it this week while trying to get healthy again from the flue.  I am going to win this day:-)

Debra - sorry for the delayed response, I was out of town these past couple days! I hope you are feeling better and that you had a restful and rejuvenating weekend!  Always here for ya if you need anything at all.  Just call, and I'll be there!  :-)

Guilty Newbie here!  I love the "Pet Peeves" Post.  I had no idea about the comments when adding associates. I thought those were for my eyes only. Just goes to show, I have a lot to learn, and learning I am ...every single day.  AR is the best!

As always, thanks for your words of wisdom as well as your time Brad!

Denise - I love the associates page here on AR.  It's kind of like the report card or award board.  I like to read what other members have to say about the particular writers and authors/bloggers I like to read.  As you develop your Blog and grow relationships here, it's great to watch the associates page grow.  It's also a fantastic resource to use as your referral base when the time comes to refer members from other areas. :-)

Thanks so much for all the useful information. I am new and my mind is just boggled by all this information on AR. Thank God for the information you have provided . It sure does help to sort things out a bit.  I read comments about different things AR members are doing wrong.  In my opinion it is only because it is so overwhelming, that it because a quess and see situation. I praise you for being there to help us out.

When I went to the Q & A section it clearly stated it was for consumers, yet I see many AR members ask questions. I did not  think too much about that, until a     member brought up the point the Q&A was for consumers.

Somewhere when I was working up my profile, the instructions were if you have any questions check Q & A i, the question may already be answered. Am I confused or what? Like I said it boggles the mind .

I will end by saying A BIG THANK YOU for the time and information you generously share to help others

June - I'm happy to help you out any way possible.  Q&A is a broad area for this community.  As you can tell by many of the posts, comments, and responses, it's difficult to say that any of these are directed to just consumers, members, or just visitors of AR.  This place has become a forum for ALL that have questions about any segment of our industry.  I am happy to answer any questions that you may have on how to best utilize the community and it's potential.  Feel free to contact me any time that is convenient to your schedule, and I will do my best to steer you in the right direction. 

Thanks so much for your quick response.  It is nice to know the goodness of people.

June - I know I heard this somewhere, that surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives!  Probably in a book I read written a long time ago, but it still applies today!  :-)))  Thank you, call me so we can discuss the Q&A in greater detail, I'd love to know your thoughts and opinion on it.  

 

New person here.  How do you name your blog?  I couldn't get it to edit the default name to the name I wanted to use.

 

Judy Aselton

Blue Ridge, Ga.

I didn't know the protocol was to add a comment when you are added as an associate. Thanks I didn't get the active rain manual

Judy - You do that in the "My Settings" link once you are logged into AR.  If you need some help,let me know.

Russ - you don't have to add a comment, but if you do, that member is likely to come add you as an assoc. and comment in return.  This establishes the start of some great relationships, and also, the pages acts as a reference and referral page. 

Wouldn't you want others to see and know what members thought about you and your blog? 

I have a link for you, it's not an owners manual, but it's a post I created to help new members get off the ground here.  It took a year in the making, check it out if you're interested:

 

The ActiveRain New Member Start Up Kit

 

Your blog is yours Russ and the protocol you use is your own. Have fun, Know you are Welcomed, and good luck to you and your business here.  If I can assist you in anyway. call me anytime.  :-)

All of these are good things to remember!  I need to go through my associates and add comments to them.  You are right on that! 

Thanks for the tips Brad!  Have to confess I comitted a couple of faux paus but I make it a point to find a post each day to improve my AR etiquitte. I can see you wrote this awhile ago, but about the three comments in a row... I saw a post about this recently, it seems to just happen if someone is adding a comment at 1 am. Just thought I would menton that incase you hadn't heard it yet. But again Thank you, I'm bookmarking this one for future ref :}

Naomi - I need to do the same thing.  I have been slacking on that one myself.  :-) 

Ronelle - The triple comment threat does most often happen at 1:00am or later, because that's when most members become impatient, and keep clicking on the "Submit Comment" button! LOL~  They just want to get theri points and get to bed. haha!  Thanks for commenting....one time! :-)

Hi Brad - Great post.  I'm sure that we all have committed at least one of these "sins" at sometime.  I promise to be reformed.  Haleluliah! 
 Seriously I appreciate learning the etiquette regarding commenting when adding associates.  I won't be guilty of not adding a comment again.  From what I can see I don't think many understand that so your eduacation should help.  Thanks

Thanks for the Post!

Hi Brad,

Good luck with your Dad, he is in our thoughts and prayers.

This was a great post, I didn't even know you could comment when you added associates.

Maybe there should be a few of these and some more info when you first sign on.

It's hard to learn so much in such a short time.

All the best!

Pam - I think I still make at least one of these mistakes at least everyday. LOL~  You are reformed if you can make it through the day without being guilty of any of these. Commenting on your added associates is so important and also very powerful for referrals and references.  Thanks for commenting. :-)

Kevin - pappy is doing much better now, thanks. 

Regarding your comment, we are trying to compile a source for help and FAQ'a when first starting here on AR.  There is a help/FAQ at the bottom of every AR page, soon there will be a "start here" or something similar on the home page of AR.  I agree with you that a welcome letter or email would be great, but there is so much we could include and that can be learned here on AR, it's almost impossible to cover it all in a single post, email, or welcome letter. We'll keep trying though, thanks for your suggestion and comment.  :-)

Your number 5 happened to me today...UGH! LOL

Dave

Dave - I am really sorry to hear that. Of all of them, I think that #5 is the worst. I spent over 2-3 hours on a post once, and then hit the back arrow button thinking that I was on another screen, and I lost everything! Man that really sucked. Wish I could bring it all back for you my friend. Be sure to save your posts in draft mode as often as you can. :-)

Thanks for the post.

I've had a variation of #5, when I go online using Safari and type up an ActiveRain post or a response and it doesn't even post. I think I've learned my lesson now.

Jon - you're welcome.  You must be on a MAC.  I use a MacBook Pro and have found that using Firefox on both MAC and PC works better than any other browser, at least here on ActiveRain.  Sorry you had to experience the very thing that inspired this post originally.  I spent 2 1/2 hours on the perfect post for the county where I live, and then hit the back button accidentally and lost everything I had done. Yes..I cried! lol~

Thank you for the post. Because you wrote it last year, how is it that it found it's way back up top? Just wondering. Anyway, I fit into some of these categories but am so grateful you mentioned them so I can clean up my act! You are the best! Have a great weekend!

Terrie

P.S. Why does the spelcheker only work sometimes??? =)

Terrie - this is one of those viral posts that just keeps resurfacing from comments. When a new comment is made such as yours, it pushes the post to the top of the list in groups. Therefore getting new exposure to members of those groups.  This comment will do the same thing, push it right to the top.  Hang on, here we go... lol~ 

FYI - the spellchecker is on the list of fixes, you can use google's spellchecker in the meantime until ours is up and running 100% again.  Have a great weekend yourself, call me anytime!  :-)

wow I should have read this post first before starting my blog and have made a few mistakes.  It's late now I won't be able to read all the comments but I will get to them.   my spell check is still not working

Aida - I did the same thing.  I have been guilty of each of these and more, that's why I wanted to share this post. I still booboo sometimes, so it's nice when members comment here and I'm reminded by reading my own post. lol~ :-) 

The spell check issue is one the AR Support Dept. is aware of, and they are working on it dligently. In the meantime, you can use the Google spell check located on your Browsers tool bar. It works great, and even spell checks your Blog post Title.  (see image below)

Great list Brad.  Thank you very much for sharing.

Thank you for the comments and great tips.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Casey - happy to do it!!   :-))

Enrico - you're welcome.  Here's Pet Peeve #8 LOL~

Just FYI - there's no need to put a link to your site in the comment section of other members posts, If they want to get to you, they can click on the link that is already there. Some consider this spamming or hijacking, I know that was not your intent.  Just looking out for ya, other members may not be so courteous, and will possibly delete your comment. Thanks Enrico, and welcome to the rain.  :-))

Thanks Brad for a very concise blog post. I've learned some great points to keep in mind, thanks

Oops, sorry I forgot to add a comment the first time I added you as an associate. I just fixed that!

Klarque - glad this was helpful, you aso got 25 points for your comment! :-))  BTW - Love the way you spell your name, I've never seen it that way...unique is very cool!

Annette - I've added you and commented as well. Thanks!  :-)

 

Hi Brad!

I admit I am guilty of one of your pet-peeves:

1. adding someone as an associate and not writing anything. When I get a notice I've been added by someone I don't know of, I reciprocate...sans comment. GUILTY!

I am also guilty of not responding to comments on my blog. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the number of comments and plan to reply at a later date when I have more time...not sure when that day will come but soon I hope!

My biggest Peeve (with a capital P and no pet in front) are the 'bloggers' who do not write any blog posts about themselves or their business. Instead they only post (the maximum allowed) 'volunteers needed' type posts. NOT ONE post with content. That burns me to see that people get massive points and show up as a Featured 'whatever' on the state/province homepage while so many with quality but not quantity and deserve the recognition get left out of the AR.

 

Thanks Brad for your response to my comment. 

Even if your "Note to the newbies" just said sign up for the newbie group and if you have a question just post it to the newbie group as a blog.  That would take care of most of the questions.

Take care!

Brad, thanks for pointing these out, I've been frustrated by the same things and the other day, I spent a half hour writing out a blog, then we to spell check, it frooze, and I lost my post! 

Dane - I'm here for ya man!!  :-))  You need to cut and paste your comment here and make a post out of it. lol~  I will say that commenting on your own blog is really a personal preference (I suggest it highly). Reciprocating on others blogs is just as important in my opinion. (One I am guilty of not doing enough myself, but getting better) Thanks for sharing such a great comment and for taking the time to write it.

BTW - The content and no content Bloggers... I think some people just have too much time on their hands but they just don't know how to use an online network like ActiveRain.  We should be there to help them, but there are so many of them, and so few of us. Paying it forward has beed a big blessing to this network from it's members.  If you help one of those you mention, it will come back to you 10-fold.  Seriously.  :-))))

Kevin - The "newbies group" is a fantastic place to start, and you're right, if they posted their questions to the group, the support and responses they'd get are fabulous. Great place for questions, and we also have the "Practice Group" where newbies can practice blogging and get advice from other members, moderators and the Founder of the group himself.  Vert cool!  :-)

Brad, thanks for pointing these out, I've been frustrated by the same things and the other day, I spent a half hour writing out a blog, then we to spell check, it frooze, and I lost my post!

Lucky - my heart goes out to you my friend. We have all done it. Always get into the habit of saving posts in "Draft Mode" even if there's only a paragraph, that way you'll never lose everything. I'm sorry to hear that happened, but you're that much better and smarter for it.  :-))

Brad - You're a fountain of information and a real find for an Active Rain newbie like me.  I'll be printing off some of your tips. 

BTW, what's the best way to print some of your instructions like the customizing tips? I was concerned all of the comments might print as well as the posts. Thanks for all your hard work!

Very nice! Simple but important items to consider.

Judy - the best way to print is to Highlight with your mouse the areas you want to print, then copy and paste it to a word or pub document to print. Thanks for your kind words and compliment. :-)

Joseph - thanks, I appreciate that.  :-)

Great post, personally I can use all the help I can get. I did have a questions so I will make sure I check the notify me of new comments box; hold on a sec while I do that! ( Wow I got it right on the first try!)

So is it concerned a Pet Peeve If I don't read through all the comments that others have posted and end up, asking the same questions twice? (If so I am guilty of this today)

Also How old can a post be and reasonable expect to hear back on a comment that I leave?

At this point in my active rain lifetime (4/5days) I figure if I haven't made some errors then I haven't been posting blogging enough you have to get your a little wet to learn and grow, post like these are true diamonds and I thank you.

Thanks for the great tips. I didn't know about the draft mode, and of course have lost a few posts!

I'll definitely keep your tips in mind.

Brooke - you don't have to read all the comments, feel free to ask away anytime on any post of mine! :-)

Some members never come back to reply, others come back and reply to every comment (like me) at least I try.  Usually I try to respond same day or within 24 hours, depends on how many comments there are.  I always try to reply to the oldest comments first.

Feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions or need any help with anything. Thanks.  :-))

Linda - the draft mode and saving frequesntly will save you a ton of time, stress and hair!  :-))

Blogging is still terribly new to me, but I appreciate the "guidelines."  I've already experienced #5 more than once - Yikes! 

Thanks again for your pointers and I hope I can tiptoe through them all successfully until I get my feet a little wetter.

:-)

How's it going with AR Brad??? Glad you are here to help us on AR...Karen

Sharon - #5 leaves a mark for sure! lol~  If I can help you get from the terribly new to comfortably new, let me know ok? No tip toeing, grab the bull by the horns and face it head on. You'll do much better that way! :-)

Hi Karen - great to see you, it's been a while. I'm well, and how are you?  Thanks for popping in, hope to see more of you now that I'm here full time.  Lot's going on this month on AR, better fasten your seatbelt and hang on!!  :-))

Hi Brad,

Obviously this list hit a hot spot for many of us.  I think , when I am not rushed and I can write that comment, I will have to come back and make this an associate blog.  I find myslef visiting everytime I come to the Rain.  Thanks for all the great info.

Wow, fantastic. I am as green as green can be, so I am trying to learn as much andd as fast as possible. Thanks for giving me a lift.

Derenda - you are always welcome here, I'd be honored to be added to your associates. Thanks!  :-)

Cynthia - you'll only be green for a very short time, then the color of Blue takes over as you get filled with excitement and knowledge, and then red as you begin to light on fire and get really "Active" in the rain!  :-)

Ok Brad, I know I read this already but I didn't listen to you!  should of!  Anyway great post--not sure if I already commented but thought I would.

#1 Guilty

#2 not Guilty

#3 yes very Guillty

#4 I haven't done it but have visisted blogs that do that

#5 Never

#6 no

#7 no

Hey they removed the insert pic button!

 

Oops!  that was me above--I just made mistake #8--you have to be logged in!!!duh!!

 

Brad,

Thanks for the tips.  As a newbie, it is really good to learn about things to watch for - how not to make mistakes.  Your blogs are terrific for newbies.  Thank you.

Aida - you really do crack me up. You are just too funny getting around in the rain.  Everytime I get an email saying "there's a new comment by Aida" I just gotta come see...  haha!  You got me on #8, I spent 5 minutes trying to figure out who I should respond to before I finally scrolled down and read your "Logged In" comment.  Made me laugh even harder and longer!  :-))))  Thanks! 

Vicki - You're welcome.  Many of my posts are geared to new members, and I'm glad you are finding some of them useful.  If you click on my name below, it will take you to my profile where I have posted "ALL" these types of posts. There's video, tutorials, how-to's, etc.  Feel free to pop in anytime!  :-)

Thanks for the tips. I'm new here and I can't seem to find out HOW TO SAVE as a draft? Can someone help me out on that one?

(I will check back for the answer)

 

James - thanks for stopping by, to save a post as a draft, just look toward the bottom of the post and there will be an area that says "Visibility" you can open that box and change it to any of the four options available.

There should be Public, Draft, Members Only, or Associates.  It's located right under the "Tags" box when creating or editing a new post.  If you need more help, let me know.  :-)

Hey Brad--Yep!  Funny is my middle name--do I get extra points for being funny!

Well, I keep coming back to this post--and trying to work my way through the Rain---I am working on #4--but that one is very hard--how do you keep track---can you write a post about how to do  number 4 (boy, I'm glad this comment is not about #1 or #2--I don't want you to show me how to do that--my mama thought me to do that! lol :-)!

graphic: chupa-chupa--are you kidding  :-)! 

That's means suck-suck in Spanish!  :-) lol  Hey maybe I should come up with some words for you guys---no, better not---I'll get thrown out!

see ya in the rain

Aida - that comment alone must have taken you 10 minutes!!  lol~  If you're serious about the tracking of comments and replying to questions or comments, I just use the "My Home" link and delete the comments from there after I respond to them...or most of them anyway.  Thanks for the smileys and spanish lesson. :-)

Brad - Thanks for helping me with saving it as a draft. I couldn't figure that out. I was just looking for a save button!

James - no worries my friend, happy to help. Thanks for coming back and commenting, makes it all worth it.

Thanks again, Brad - i'm relatively new to blogging...so still don't quite know the etiquette invloved.  This post certainly helps us all!

Mike - it's not what you know about blogging, it's what ya don't know that can hurt or help you.  Eat the elephant one bite at a time, there's a lot to learn, but just like golf, just hit the ball and aim for the hole. The rest will just happen as you go. 

Brad -- You finally answered my question as to why some people submit the same comment repeatedly! I never knew it was because they didn't see their comments yet.

You are right on all counts. I'm sure we all like to read interesting blogs that will bring thoughtful comments. I look for a catchy title and hopefully I won't be disappointed.

Sharon - I think many submit the same comments because they are either after just the points, or they really just don't know what else to say.  Maureen McCabe just did a great post about people who comment with GPTFS. (Great Post, Thanks For Sharing) It's a toss up as to who and why people do or don't like that, but it sure created some interesting conversations and a worth reading thread.  :-)

Linda - I have seen some really catchy titles only to be sucked into a post that has nothing to do with the title. Then you feel like a fish trying to get off the hook, especially when you see your picture on that members MyBlogLog and you feel compelled that you should leave a comment. lol~  I always try to comment if I read a post, even if I feel like I was reeled in.  :-))

Brad this should be sent out to every brand new member.  this would have been very helpful to me when I first started. 

Jeff - that's not a bad idea, but by many, that would be considered SPAM!  lol~  I do appreciate the thought and comment though, I think we all have to crawl before we walk, and unfortunately, that means falling a few times before we run.  We can't possibly know what to fix until we break it!  Believe me, I have fallen and broken many times here on AR, but that's just how we learn and grow.  :-)

Brad how does Active Rain feel about advertising your properties here posted to localism?  I have seen some complaints

Good "point" - I like your post... I know exactly what you are talking about! We've seen these happen time and time again! (and we're all guilt of "committing" some of these!) Haha!

Jeff - we have a ActiveRain MLS Online group with over 1275 members and a few thousand listings in the group.  Feel free to post listings there, you are more than welcome.  There will be a place on Localism for Listings, Market reports etc. too :-)

Justin and Katie - LOL!~  I still learn new mistakes and make old one's everyday!!  :-)

I never understood the "add associate"

Thank you for your post, makes sense

Appreciate it

Anne

 

Hi Anne - look at adding associates as your "Referral Base" here on AR. Every time you rfere your sellers moving out of state to another member, there's a 25% referral fee just just sitting there.  I have at least 2-5 members I'm connected to in all 50 states and Canada.  I know right now where I would be sending any referrals in any State.  Your associates are your realationships here!!  :-)

great post, i am new and understanding the etiquette is important

thanks

jason

Just read the post not the comments...but incase people need advice on #5&6...use firefox...if the error happens, hit the back button.

416 comments! How can you possibly read, let alone respond to all of these!????  My pet peeve...the person who thinks they are way clever and put in a Q & A that is sooooo clever that the reader will never understand that it is an ad. REALLY....REALLY?  Just stop!

Thanks for the info....I continue to learn from your posts and as a person still new to AR, i appreciate the info.

e-Starr - the best way to get the most out of your time on AR including ettiquette is to click on the "getting started" link on the AR home page, it's a good place to start for new people in the reign rain.

Jeremy - Firefox is a great recommendation, I have switched over myself after making the same mistakes. Good call!  :-))

Paula - as a moderator for the Q&A here on AR, I know exactly what you mean.  I am constantly looking for these subliminal ads that some try to slip through in the Q&A link.  If you see them and I happen to miss any, please flag them so I can remove them when they do slip in and get by me. Thanks and I concur.  :-)

Allen - glad these posts have been useful to you and your team, it makes all the time and effort that goes into them worth it. Thanks.

Thanks for the tips! Very useful info for someone like me trying to get rolling on Active Rain!

Utah Real Estate

Brad, my pet peeve is that when I leave you a comment it gets lost amongst the other 420! How does it feel to be so popular?

Later in the rain~Deb

Kaleb - you'll be rollin in no time at all.  :-)

Deb - are you kidding me?  Have I ever lost you in the comments of any post??  Well?  I didn't think so. lol~  So you'll have to come up with another pet peeve cause that one won't work!  :-)))) 

Good reminder for us all.  It is like driving a car.  We all know how to do it, but sometimes even the best have accidents!

Home Realty - it's nothing like driving a car...lol~  it's more like driving a freight train, sometimes there's just no stopping us. :-)

great number 5 really hits home  - thanks for a fun post!

Haha.. i got a good laugh at this. I can see your point. I am a newbie, so hopefully I remember that BAM thing... Thanks.

great post

When I first read this post, I though...My Word, how do you get 432 comments in the same day; not realizing what day and year I'm in...being over 40 is so hard in so many ways!

But, liked the post nonetheless...I have not had 5 or 6 happen to me yet; probably because I'm a cut to the chase kind of person and write very quickly.

You probably are one of the most "added associates" on the rain; I've read more of your posts than any other because they are packed with good information.  So, I added you AND I put in a blurb in the comment box.

 

Thanks Brad.  

I'm guilty of at lease 5 of these.  I'm still learning.

Thanks for the post. I am still trying to figure out the ActiveRain etiquette.  Of course, if you think about it, most of these are common sense. 

Cindy in Indy - thanks for adding me to your associates, I'll have to go check out your comment.  I'm glad you are enjoying some of my posts on AR, I do have fun writing them most the time, especially when I don't lose them by hitting the back button! haha.  Now I use Firefox so it's all good!  Thanks. :-)

Shannon - looking back it's kinda funny, haven't done it since, but at the time, man I was @#%&*$!   :-))

Crystal - you'll remember for sure after it happens to you. Try to avoid the "BAM" thing if you can!  lol~  :-)

Antoinette - I'm guilty of all 7, how do you think I came up with the ideas for this post?  haha.  The list has grown since this post, but this one is a timeless classic so I figured I better not update it, just leave it alone.

Brandon - there is a lot to learn on and about AR. Common sense will take you a long way here, but knowing about ettiquite is certainly a good call my friend.  You should check out the "getting started" post on the Activerain main home page, I think there's a post in there about the big"E" if you're interested.  There's some other cool stuff there too..   :-)

Brad-It is wonderful that a post that you wrote one yr ago is still getting comments and you are still answering them. You are one busy guy.  You should be very proud of your outstanding contribution to A/R. I'm fairly new to A/R and have learned a lot. Your advice has been very helpful. I only have one pet peeve and it's not really a pet peeve just a observation.  I'm just kind of surprised by all the typing errors by folks that do blogging. Maybe it doesn't matter to people. Thanks for the great work you do now and in the past.

Thanks for the great advice.  I admittedly made a couple of the mistakes that you outlined in your post (and a couple of different ones)...but I am learning.

re: 4. The Blogger that comments on your post with a question, then never comes back to get the answer. I know I have done that in the past, and boy howdy can that ruffle another members feathers. Or what about the poster who never comes back and answers your question?

Why does that bother you?

I came back to get the answer, but there was none.

San Diego Homes - hahaha!!  Well I guess it's because when I wrote this a year ago, I felt compelled to come back and comment to every single person who left a comment only to find out that many times they never came back to see if I commented back or not. Why did it bother me?  I guess because it was consuming my time.  I used to get 50 - 100 comments sometimes.

The reason you didn't get a response from me between 10:59pm and 2:12am on a Sunday night is because I have learned that you don't have to come back and comment to every single person 24/7, especially when it's your time to be with your family or sleeping.  But as you can see by the date and time stamp here, a community builder's work on AR is never done and that's 24/7.  Have a great week!

Pat - for a long time, our spellcheck had failed to work here. I think all the rain rusted out the moving parts! lol~  It has since been fixed by Jorgen, and now things should be spelt beter if people would only use it!  hehehe

Scott - your entire time on ActiveRain will be a learning process, trust me!  :-)) 

Hi Brad, I have just begun reading your posts this past week, and subscribed to your blog.  Good advice and great tips. There's something to learn each time. I will try working/using tip 1 right away. Tip#5 - yes, happened to me often.  Then I figured it out, and use Word for my drafts.  Can you save your blog as drafts while on AR?  I was figuring out how some AR members could post photos etc. under comments, and realize then that, oh yes, I could too. It's the same as uploading a picture on your blog. I just noticed you have a AR Video in your 'comment' column.  Does everyone has that? I got to go and check my blog too.  Thanks for the tips.

Goodness, there is so much to learn.  I am not sure that I even knew you could comment when you added an associate.  I am going to keep reading and keep learning.  Great post!

Sherry - you can save your posts in draft mode on AR, just open up the visibility pulldown menu when creating or editing a post and select draft.  I think it is defaulted to "public" just change it.  You can now add video as well to comments and photos etc.  If you need some help, you just let me know ok?  :-))

Karen - as long as you're reading here in the rain....you're learning!  :-))

I think a picture and a few words that show your unique personality make a huge difference.  I need to change my profile - the more I look at it, the more bored I get!

Thanks again - this is why you are the mail man. you deliver every day.

Thank you for your seven tips!  As a Newbie, I have so much to learn!

Linda - I see you were not logged in.  Be sure to login before you do try and attempt to modify your profile. :)

Rick - are you suggesting I change my nick name from ActiveBrad to Mailman, or M&M?  haha!  Thanks Buddy for a great compliment!! :-)

Sharon - there's a lot to learn, but you'll have it down in no time at all. :-)

Brad,

 

Thanks for all your help. You are an asset to Active Rain. And thanks a million for helping me get my pix on my listings on Active Rain.

Terri,

I would have helped you if you had called my friend.  I was busy last week. :-)

Terri - no problem, always glad to help. 

Karen - it's ok that you're busy, hopefully all your efforts here will get you even busier!!  :-))

That's what I like about AR. There is always people helping you out. I didn't know about the add a comment to associate one, so now I will from now on. Thanks

g

Hi Brad...I am new to AR.  I just found this site this morning while looking for some info on BPO companies.  I have been in Real Estate for 3 years as a property manager, but my husband just received his license this past month.  He is working the sales side of the business and trying to get into as many things as possible to gain exposure for his business.

I haven't committed any of these cardinal sins...that I know of...but it is very good info.  I am a member of other networking sites and find these things very irritating...especially the "asking questions and never being answered".  Very good topic.

Gerard - that's one of my favorite features of the associates page on AR.  You can find out alot about someone by reading the comments of what others have said about them.  Not just members, but consumers can see these comment too.  Very cool for the "reference" part of our business.  :-))

Chastity - Welcome to the community!!

Let me know if you ever need any help here, I always answer my calls, my emails, and YOUR comments.  Glad you have decided to join the neighborhood, one of the best online networks out there in my opinion.  I used to just be a member here, now I'm a full-time employee, and boy do I love my job here. 

Welcome! :-)

You are right, points are nice but the content in a blog being picked up in a searhc out ways any points given!

VRG - agreed, points are great, they came in handy for the Localism Land Rush, but content (food for Google) is way more important, and what's more important than that is writing for your readers.  If newspapers wrote for Google juice only, the stands wouldn't exist on the corner. Content should be written for your audience and readers first, then google, then points.  It may not always be that way, but that's how I try to write for now.

Hi Brad,

Thank you for another great post. We are going to use it as an example in class today.

Thank you for the wonderful contribution and training.

Thank you so much for this blog!  I'm fairly new to both Active Rain and blogging and let's just say I'm not exactly "savy" at it yet. :)  I'll be sure to keep all your helpful hints in the back of my mind at all times.  And I have tried to add comment to my associates, and can't figure it out......

Thanks again!

Brittney

Some great information provided, thank you.  I would think that many participants in blogging as well as in the Active Rain Community are in uncharted territory that of course does include a learning curve.  With the help and assistance of people like yourself I am confident we all can all help to keep it valuable, educational, as well as entertaining.

Ken - I hope the class enjoyed it.  You should have me out sometime to do a live "ActiveRain BootCamp" in your area, I'd love to come out to Kansas and pay you all a visit.  :-)

Brittney - you're welcome.  To comment on your associates, when you add them, you'll see a section where you can leave a comment.  When you do, yo'll find often times when others add you. they'll comment on you as well.  If you need any help here, just let me know, I not only enjoy it, but now it's my job.  I'm a member for the members.  :-))

Dear Watson - you have no idea.  Uncharted territory is one of the best terms I have heard yet.  I think I'll use that in a title for a post. Thanks.  You will find AR very valuable, educational and entertaining, and then there's so much more. :-)

Thanks Brad,

The W7 Deadlies" were really helpful. As a new blogger, its great to know the ins and outs - I do have a question for you - what kid of questions can you ask? I need to find a good broker, and not sure how I should go about asking or findong one. 

Thanks for the help!

CKS 

Carolyn - let me know where you are looking and some details via email, and I'll see that you get what you're looking for.  You can contact me directly by clicking on my name below in this comment.  :-)

Thanks for the tips, it's really helpgful to the newbies like me!

The 7 mistakes have been helpful, many of them would have taken me so long to figure out had you not shard them.  Keep up the fantastic posts!

Tera - that's great, I had no idea when I wrote this how many would read or even see it.  Looks like it's still surfing the waves and helping other surfers.  Thanks.  :-)

Hope - we all make mistakes, but that's really how we grow and learn. To make a mistake is not failure, it's just one step closer to success.  I'm looking forward to seeing your growth and success here.

Wow what a bunch of perfectionists.......whatever happened to giving someone a break. Some of us are not as computer savvy as others. Up until a few months ago I did not even know what a blog was. My children are still laughing that I am blogging at work. As far as a picture I truly do not know how to download one. I am the person still using film lol. So please don't be mad that I am not getting it all correct or computer politically correct. I try.....Regards from an old timer still willing to learn......be patient please...FYI  if you ckeck the Spellcheck it underlines blog and blogging...see even the computer does not understand. At least I am not alone.

I rest my case..you see how bad I am ,I even forget to log in to make sure I get credit for my comments. That is my comment above......

Just asked a question on one of your other blogs AND checked the notify me box, all before reading this blog.  I'm learning!  Can't wait to read the answer :~)

Lori - you're too funny. thanks for making me laugh!  :-)  I have been wanting to do a post about Blogs, Bloggers, and Blogging but I'm too anal with spell check and I would go into convulsions knowing that those three words would have to get posted with that little red line underneath them, that would drive me NUTS!!  LOL!!!~

Terri - guess I better get over there then and answer it if I haven't already. 

BTW - you might not want to check that box on some of my posts, the last time Bob Stewart did that on one of mine, that particular post got over 600 comments....that's a lot of email notifications!!   Poor guy...  :-)

Thanks for a great post!  I feel your pain and sorry I am guilty of not responding sometimes!  Have a great weekend!  Kathy

Brad: I am finally having fun on  AR. Life is too serious to worry about spellng.....Glad I gave you a good hahahahaha

opps I did it again...forgot to log on...I have AR on a link from favorites and always forget to log in....that is my comment above.....

Thanks for the condensed version of the 'newbie' manual.  You have saved us all alot of frustration. I promised myself I would have my post complete by the end of the week and I'm sticking to it.

I have not been on AR long. At first, I didn't what to blog about since this is my first time ever blogging. I am really enjoying blogging and networking on AR. Thank you for this post.

Brad,

Great post, I am new to this site, been a member for a few months but this is my first time to the blog section. I am just learning about blogs, but your post was the first one I read athe best one to follow and remember. 

thanks,

Steve

Robin - looking forward to that first post, it's the end of the week, is it posted yet? Guess where I'm going right now to find out?  :-))

Victor - there are so many things you can Blog about, just check your email sent folder and you'll have enough to last you a lifetime! lol~  Enjoy my friend. 

Steve - Welcome! There's a ton of great information here for both members and visitors, your contributions here will be valued and appreciated by many.  Best of luck and let me know if you ever need anything.

Thank you,  I am learning alot here so far.  I will continue to learn.

Thanks again.

Steve - just take it one day at a time, don't get overwhelmed, focus on your Blog and writing content that you feel will be interesting and useful to your audience.  All the technical and tactical stuff can and will be learned along the way. :-)

Geeze, I didn't think there was a race for numbers... smile... I just blog for the fun of it... I guess my competitive nature needs to WAKE UP!   But I love reading your stuff and I wish I knew how to make my page look so great like yours... Maybe I need to read more of these, huh?   Keep up the good work... really enjoy your input.

Annie - there are some racing for points, some racing for business, some racing to build relationships, some racing to having fun, and some just racing and they don't know why?  LOL~  It's quite a mix we have here, and welcome to it! (smile).  I do have more posts like this sorted on my profile page if you're interested in trying to save some time navigating around in the rain. Enjoy, this is one heck of a network, I'm tellin ya! :-)

Thanks Brad. I appreciate the good info for the newbies. I think it is important to always consider yourself a newbie for learning purposes.

Thank Brad, I joined active-rain a couple days ago this is good information to know.

Thank you for such a good and useful information.

I keep on reading your Blog every day

Scott - never liked the term newbies, I prefer beginner or something like that.  I guess in the world of WEB 2.0, we are all and always will be beginners or "newbies!"  :-))

Ken - welcome aboard, you're gonna love this place and all it has to offer.  I'll tell you now, the very best part of the AR community and network is the people.  Hang around awhile, you'll see what I mean. Thanks. :-)

Stephanie - thanks, I'm honored.  You're always welcome here and if you need anything at all, you know where to reach me....everyday!  :-))

Brad,  I have done he #5 tip.  ARRRG!  Lost my blog post when I was adding a picture and BAM gone.  I have to start saving to draft!! Thanks for the tip.

Thanks Brad for these tips. Now I want to go back and post some comments on associates i have added. Really makes sense what you are saying.

Great tips...some of them I didn't even realize...I have gotten stuck writing a post only to have it disappear...that really sucks!  Guess I come from the school of hard knocks though.

Great tips to start with. What are your other few Tips? Well thanks for sharing.

Great tips. thanks for sharing. Hope to read the rest of your tips. Once again thanks for sharig.

Hi Brad,
I went ahead and e-mailed you because I might forget to come back and read the answer to my question.  I still wanted to post just in case it helps someone else.  How do you edit and add a comment to an associate that you've added without a comment?

You are a good man, keep helping and you will get what you deserve back 10 fold!

Great post!

 

Dave Werth/Kvamme Real Estate

www.NewRealEstateProperty.com

 

Thanks for your insights--I'm still relatively new to AR, but appreciate the tips on etiquette.

Hi Brad, I went ahead and e-mailed you because I might forget to come back and read the answer to my question. I still wanted to post just in case it helps someone else. How do you edit and add a comment to an associate that you've added without a comment?

Maya - all you have to do is go to the profile page of the member you wish to update the comment on, click on the 'Add Associate" button over their photo a second time, and you can add your comment and then update.  You can go back a 3rd, 4th, and 5th toime too if you decide to update the comment as you get to know them better.  Obviously when someone sends you 5 referrals, you may want to update the comments more often!  :-)))  Hope this helps.

Dave -thanks, I hope that's true, but even if that never happens, I love this place and I love my job, so no matter what, I'll keep doing what I'm doing as long as I am able.  Thanks my friend!  :-)

Brad,

I will be praying for you and your Dad.  I lost my mother in July so I know that a parent's illness is

very stressful.

Thanks for all you do. 

My pet peeve is spelling.  I hate that some people try and tell you had to make a watch but can't spell Timex/Rolex (depending on the kind of year your having).

Brad,
Thank you for the answer about adding comments.  As ALWAYS, fantastic blog!  Thank you so much for your leadership.  I'll be sure to make corrections to my AR habits.  :) I want to be a good AR Citizen.

With appreciation,
Maya

Great Information...and yes I have spent 45 minutes working on a post and BAM it was gone..so I feel your pain..

Thank you Brad.   I am new to AR and trying to fumble my way around.  I will keep checking on more tips on what not to do.  :-)

Thanks. 

 

These tips are really good Brad and after just adding you as associate, I need to go ummm.... add a comment to your associate page right this minute! : )

Spelling, Spelling, Spelling--it only takes a moment to look professional.

Thanks to this blog, I just avoided my first mistake:  not putting anything in the comments box when adding an associate.  Of course, why wouldn't you want to?  It's a great way to refer people to an associate that you trust!  I have learned a lot from this person, and I'm glad to recommend them to anyone.

Thank you for a great start on how to make Active Rain work well for all of us!

M. Kai - I'm glad this post was helpful to you. I appreciate your endorsement and your referrals, Thanks.  :-)

I am  a newbie, first day on AR. I got alot out of your "pet peeves" but I still have alot to learn. Keep up the good work.

Keller Williams Realty Agent - Make sure you check out the "getting Started" link on the main page of AR, it will save you some time and give you some great navigational skills around the community. Welcome aboard, you'll love this place.

Hi Brad... Your blog posts always contain such helpful and insightful information. 

Cheryl - thank you, I'm really glad you find some of my posts helpful and informative.  I sure appreciate your comment. Thanks.  :-)

Wow I'm exhausted reading all of that.....

Great post...thanks for the info

I am new to AR. This is really helpful to keep in mind while learning how to navigate around the blogs.  I don't believe I am guilty of any yet, but expect that I will more than likely make some mistakes soon. For me, just getting comfortable with posting a blog will be the first step.  Thanks again for the tips, great information to start with.

Grrr. Just had #5 happen to me today. Teach me to blog when I'm distracted! definitely save the draft!

Goodness! I have a lot to learn. this is my first attempt at any Blog. Please accept my apologies should I make mistakes, which I am certain to -  Enjoy the weekend!

Gary and Melynda - I got exhausted learning all this, and going through it myself.   LOL~

Cristie - if you need any assistance anytime, feel free to let me know. Thanks for reading and commenting.  :-)

Cat - been there done that. Draft is the ticket for sure. :-)

Debi - no worries, we all started somewhere, mistakes are how we learn and grow.  Don't let this post keep you from growing and learning any way you can.  If you have any questions or need help with anything here on AR, just let me know.  These are just some of the things I learned when I first started here, the list could be over 100 now.  :-))

Well, I have been guilty of a few of the seven! Please, don't tell anyone!

Thanks-- was looking for info on the draft function - wanted to be sure it really was a draft - and not going to appear prematurely!  thanks.  and did see a couple of things i can do better too! always do find your posts helpful. 

Christopher - I was guilty of all 8!!   LOL~  :-O

Alexsandra - "Draft" is for your eyes only.  However if you ever need help, our staff can login and see your draft in order to assist you.  Glad you are finding some of my posts to be helpful. 

Brad- I found this post while reading Alexsandra Stewart's Week in Review.  I guess it was originally posted before I became an avid addicted reader of AR. 

I have to admit, #5 hit home.  It hasn't happened that often, but when that gem disappears, it really does hurt.  The replacement, quickly written, while some of the more salient points are still remembered, just never lives up to the original.

I think I'm' guilty of #4....guess I've gotta go back and check comments...great post!

Marilyn - that's exactly what inspired this post. I had written a doozie of a post for Localism, when I suddenly hit the "Back" button accidentally in Explorer, and lost it all. Yes.... I cried!  I have since switched to Firefox, and it has never happened again.  I am nearing the 300 post mark now.  :-)

Sonja - we are all guilty of one if not all of these, I'm glad you had a chance to read this, hopefully it will help even if in just some small way.  Thanks.  :-)

I just started blogging yesterday.  Thanks for the warning about losing your blogs!

I think that I have been guilty of a couple of these and will try to do better.  I haven't lost my post yet, but I have done that elsewhere and it drives me NUTTS!  As a fairly new blogger and member of AR, I appreciate the education.

Didn't realize it's good form to respond to every comment. Thanks so much for this great post!

Great post, as always thanks for sharing.

I will say I was guilty with 1 because for the longest time I didnt even know you could do that. Still not sure I have ever gone back and filled it in, but I k now the people I subscribe to and those would be the ones I would give referrals too.

I really apapreciate this post and am glad you took the time to share. Your comments obviously resonated with alot of readers and bloggers. Hope you and yoru family have a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Sandy - welcome to AR, if you need anything at all, just let me know. :-)

Jerry - glad you're here on AR, we all make mistakes, I thought it would be nice to try and help other members learn from mine! LOL~  Welcome my friend.  :-)

Susan - depending on how many comments you get, it's not always necessary to respond to each one.  If I have more than 75-100 comments, it's humanly impossible to respond to them all.  I always respond to questions or needs though.  :-)

I will say I was guilty with 1 because for the longest time I didnt even know you could do that. Still not sure I have ever gone back and filled it in, but I k now the people I subscribe to and those would be the ones I would give referrals too.

That's one of the better ways to use that portion of AR.  The referral connection here is unlimited and for a 25% referral fee, I'd be building those relationships all over the country!  :-)

I really apapreciate this post and am glad you took the time to share. Your comments obviously resonated with alot of readers and bloggers. Hope you and yoru family have a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Janice - thank you. It's probably because at some point or another, every member can relate to one if not all of these having experienced it themselves.  Have yourself a great Thanksgiving Holiday as well. :-)

Good tips!  I think people should read some of their own blogs they post!

Justin - great point, I should probably go read a few of my own, I might learn something eh?  LOL~  :-))

Thanks Brad...this post was very informative..loved all the great tips!

Jacqueline - glad you found some of this to be useful, thanks for your comment. :-)

Hi Brad,

Being brand new to AR I am sooooo glad I read this...I would not have thought to copy & paste my blog...I would've been the one blowing a gasket because I took 2 hrs (because I am new to blogging as well) only to delete it forever! Thanks for the rants/tips:)

Hi Brad,

thank you for recommending putting blog info into Word or Notepad, I spent a long half hour polishing my first ever blog yesterday only to have it randomly deleted- ! 

Trish - welcome to AR. You may not want to do that now that we have the draft save in place. ( saves every 10 seconds now )  You could also end up copying code that is no longer compatible with our new HTML format.  Just be careful, that's all.  Great to have you here.  :-)

Alice - that won't happen again.  We have added a new features that saves your AR post while in draft mode every 10 seconds. You should never lose another post.  Feel free to continue to just create them within AR now, be careful cutting and pasting from other sites or some software applications as their formats may no longer be compatible with ours.

Thanks for the tips... I learned a few things

Hi Brad and ALL,

I am BRAND new to this and can't find a simple place to just ask a "how to" question.  Maybe I missed it, but i have been clicking around the soame spots for a while now getting nowhere.  SO, that said, I noticed that there are a lot of Communities in my City and even Cities in my County where there is no infomation on the Localism page.  Yet try as I might, I cannot seem to find out how I can post comments and photos to thise pages, since I am familiar with a lot of them.  HELP!!!

Hi Brad,

I thought I hit the return button and started laughing thinking my post would be the next one on the "mistakes to avoid" section.  Thank you for your help and I am quite sure I will make mistakes.  I appreciate your blogs and hope to broaden my knowledge of active rain with your help.

Thank you.

Hi Brad,

I thought I hit the return button and started laughing thinking my post would be the next one on the "mistakes to avoid" section.  Thank you for your help and I am quite sure I will make mistakes.  I appreciate your blogs and hope to broaden my knowledge of active rain with your help.

Thank you.

Well I guess hitting the button twice will be classified as a "Mistake to Avoid"  : )

Take care.

Peggy - I'm cracking up..  I can't very well delete your additional comment now can I?  Then your third comment just wouldn't make any sense.  Yes, I will add that one to my list for sure!!  I'm still laughing.  haha

My next post will be 101 mistakes not to make on ActiveRain, it's been a while now and I think one is due. :-)

Kevin  - awesome, I'm always glad to hear that.  :-)

Hi Brad and ALL,

I am BRAND new to this and can't find a simple place to just ask a "how to" question.  Maybe I missed it, but i have been clicking around the soame spots for a while now getting nowhere.  SO, that said, I noticed that there are a lot of Communities in my City and even Cities in my County where there is no infomation on the Localism page.  Yet try as I might, I cannot seem to find out how I can post comments and photos to thise pages, since I am familiar with a lot of them.  HELP!!!

Hi Harvey - You'll have to login to Localism.com with the same account information you use on AR.  Once in, you can add and upload photos.  If you want your AR posts to show up on Localism, just check the box next to the Localism option before you submit them.  This allows you to select sub categories, like State, County, City. and even neighborhood.  Your posts will come from AR and be pushed to Localism, and individual photos have to be uploaded to Localism directly and separately.  Hope that helps, let me know if not.  :-)

Thanks Brad for the timely and useful explanation.  Have not had time to do it yet but will get it this weekend.

Thanks again.

Brad,

I am a complete newbie here.  Just signed up tonight.  How/where do I find out the best way to navigate the site? Mistakes to avoid?

Thanks,  Patricia

Patricia - that is so awesome, welcome to ActiveRain.  If you go to my profile page here on AR, you'll find many tutorials and help posts.  I suggest you review the "Getting Started" link in either my profile, or on the Main AR page.  It's located right under the channels area.  Let me know if you need any help at all.  :-)

Harvey - let me know if you need any help with that, you know where to find me.  :-)

i took your advice and I do all my posts in word or an html editor now and it makes things so much less complicated. If the post doesn't work out or get a proxy error, then I just copy paste it again, and wah lah!

Awesome Tips & Post!  Of course most people do at least one of the things mentioned until they know better, unless they are just after points or just dont really care. 

Take Care & Have a Great '08!

Hey Brad,

As a recent active rain member, I am grateful for your insight. I hope to improve my blogging and the nuances as time goes on. Thanks a bunch!

ellertheseller

Ever noticed how you can tell who the #3's are by the way they never #4? But I really love our awesome members who go so far as to go to your blog and post a comment after you've posted on theirs, they make AR a fun place :]

Sandy - you may not need to worry as much anymore.  AR saves your post in draft every 10 seconds now.  They must have saw this post and all the comments and decided to add that cool little feature. haha

Sylvie - yes true, but that is how most of us learn right?  I have made many of these mistakes and more, and I'm still learning.  Dang, I work here and still make mistakes and learn.  Boy do I have the best job in the world or what?  :-)))))

Sue - Happy to have you on board, if there's anything I can do to make your experience here less painful more enjoyable, do let me know ok?  Honestly, there is a lot you can learn here, but the benefits far out weigh the efforts.  :-))

Ronelle - thanks alot, I had to go back and read my own post.  I haven't read this post since 8/28/2007!  haha, just been commenting away. 
There are some great folks here and even some of the point mongers (if that's the right word) are some of my very near and dear friends.

It's really fun to find posts like this that have been around forever, yet I have never read it.  Some posts, like this one, stand the test of time.  These are great pieces of advice, and I find the one I abuse the most is asking a question and never going back to get the answer.  If I could just remember to check the "Notify me of new comments" box.

I have been blogging for about 5 months and have been trying very hard to make all of my blogs interesting, and to always add a picture to the blog to make it visuallyinteresting. Thanks fvor your suggestions

Troy - be careful when you check that "notify me of comments" box, if you leave a comment, and that post gets featured and picks up 200 comments, then you'll be getting 200 emails!  YIKES!!  Just be cautious and selective.  :-) 

BTW - This post sure has stood the test of time here, I just realized I wrote this back in August of "07", you just never know what will happen with or to a post until you just write it and put it out there.

Maureen - Pictures, Images, Links, Bolded Text, Good Title's, keywords, and awesome content are really what make up the best posts in my opinion.  You'll just keep getting better the more you write.  Watch what happens when you start doing some searches on Google.  You'll be shocked at how much your AR Blog and posts will start apprearing at the top of page 1.  :-)

Being new to AR I;ve learned a ton by taking just a few minutes each day to learn something new.  Thank you for the "mistakes to avoid" piece as well.  Tammie

Tammie - that is exactly what I did when I started here.  Just read, comment, and start posting your own voice here in the rain, the rest will just begin to happen for you. 

These were just a few things I wanted to make note of and share with the others I had invited to AR in hopes it would save them some time and frustration. :-)

Thanks for this post and I wished I read it sooner but better than late than never! Thanks again!

Hart MTG Services - Glad you found this post finally! lol~  Yes, better late than never.  :-)

Thanks for this post! I am a newbie on AR. I certainly look forward to any suggestion that folks are willing to offer. I have taken a couple of days to complete my profile and did leave a couple of comments and did add a blog. My blog details a home I have and a Realtor Open House I have scheduled? Should I focus on the market in general or is this acceptable? ALL SUGGESTIONS ARE APPRECIATED!!

Thanks for this post! I am a newbie on AR. I certainly look forward to any suggestion that folks are willing to offer. I have taken a couple of days to complete my profile and did leave a couple of comments and did add a blog. My blog details a home I have and a Realtor Open House I have scheduled? Should I focus on the market in general or is this acceptable? ALL SUGGESTIONS ARE APPRECIATED!!

WoW! I just read through each comment and found a bunch that answered my questions! Especially about Localism!

Thanks,

Cindy

Bryan - you should focus on Blogging about the things you are passionate about.  The things you have experience with and the things you don't.  Blogging is a unique experience for each individual. Know your audience, find your voice, be transparent, and Blog your heart out.  It just works once you get past the wondering stage.  There are many posts on AR that explain this much better than I, use the AR search link to find pretty much anything you want to know about on AR.  Here to help if you need.  :-)

Bryan,

Thanks for the tips!

Michael

Great tips Brad - why would people join and not blog - hard to believe...

I constantly use the search in Blogs to learn about AR. I am a newbie and I know I am making some mistakes but I am going to try to get it down. It just takes a while. Thanks for the tips. I am addicted to AR.

Thanks, Brad.  These tips have been helpful.  I will definitely keep them in mind in the future.

Oops!  I was the rookie impatient comment submitter today on on of your posts Brad!  Forgive me...lol.

Brad - Guilty also. Gotta start leaving comments on adding associates. Duh....:-0

Brad - Guilty also. Gotta start leaving comments on adding associates. Duh....:-0

Brad thanks for sharing you saved me allot of time making mistakes being a newbie to this.

Thank you! Tons to learn and un-learn and learn again. Your kindness in helping is appreciated as I am just beginning my AR journey.  PS. Does anyone know why image is not now showing? This is the 2nd comment I made without my photo appearing Help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Emily - once you hit 10,000 AR points or upgrade to a rainmaker membership, your photo will start appearing in your comments. 

Welcome to AR, and if you need any help, feel free to contact any of us community builders or staff, we're here to help.  :-)

Thank you for the time and expertise that you freely share.

Thanks, that was informative...I just recently logged in again after 2 years and missed many opportunities for business, I'm sure...Proud to be back and hopefully no mistakes...

Andrew Rosenblatt

www.RosenblattFinancial.com

LOL! Brand new to Active Rain and I'm already guilty of #1!  I'm new to all of this social networking...between Facebook, Twitter, my Blogspot and Wordpress Blogs, I'm trying to figure this site out as well.  Thanks so much for this Post! VERY helpful!  I'll see if I can go back and add a comment to the Associate I just added who had some great Newbie suggestions.

Also, didn't have time to read through all the comments on this blog, but I did happen to catch one comment that said I gotta get 10,000 points before my picture shows.

Very intrigued by this site.  Wish the pages didn't take so long to download though.

Shannon - you'll find most Blogs won't take as long to load as mine, in fact, mine is probably the slowest loading page on ALL of AR!  I have too many widgets, videos, etc. so I apologize for it's speed.  Thanks for taking the time to wait and even comment, I really appreciate your patience, your comment, and the fact that you waited.  :-)

AR is one of the many SM sites I've joined in the last 6 mos., but it is the only one I've genuinely put effort in to. That's because it is easy to see the value right from the get go. I don't understand sometimes when others don't do the same. Thanks!

 

Ian - I couldn't agree more.  It's just a matter of time before most Industry Professionals will realize the power and value of ActiveRain.  Thanks for the comment, it's nice to see that even two years later, this post is still getting viewed.  Once again proof that AR posts can be long lived and prosper.  :-)

Thanks for the blog!  Its all great help for newbies and all AR users alike!  Good stuff!

Good things to avoid indeed!

 

www.whiteinkstudio.com

Hi Brad,

 

Really your posts are very informative and hlelpful... Keep posting... Thanks for sharing...

 

 

Hi Brad,

Thanks for your insight.  Its especially helpful for new users.  Reading the comments helps as well, although getting through the 1,000 here might be tough.  I know I've violated at least one already....the add associate one.  I'll have to make sure I go back and try to fix it.

Brad - Thanks for sharing! I typically try to write my blogs in word first and then copy over all the text. I have found it to be so much easier that way. Plus, word automatically checks for spelling so you don't have to worry about hitting submit and forgetting to spell check!

Hi Gina - just be careful when cutting and pasting from word, often times there is hidden html code that for some reason is not compatible with the AR network and can result in some really funky looking posts and content.  Just an fyi...   :-)

thanks for the hints.  I am still learning active rain but now I can avoid those things in the future.

Great comments for a fairly new rainer.

Thanks Brad... great post for people just starting out blogging or to refresh some of the veterans of AR. I will be sure to relay the info to my partners and staff.

Thank you! I think was needed.

Dave - hopefully you'll be able to avoid some of the same mistakes I made when first joining and learning to navigate AR. It's time I redo a post on mistakes to avoid on ActiveRain, my list would definitely be more than "7" since this post more than 2 years ago!!  lol~   :-)

I think that it is time for an updated - post proxy pixie top 7 list for 2010 to refresh this topic.

Great ideas. Great Post. I would like to hear your next 7.

Great ideas. Great Post. I would like to hear your next 7.

Hi Brad,

Thank you for this post and for all the tips, as always very informative.

 

Thx for the great tips.  I'm fairly new...joined in Feb, just re-engaging now.  Wrote my first blog yesterday.  Psych.  I can relate big time to tips 5 and 6 based on other sites and have been having major connection issues these last couple of days. 

It looks like this site has a lot of great content and a lot of opportunity for valuable connections.

The more I read the more I realize how much I have to learn about blogging.

The more I read the more I realize how much I have to learn about blogging.

Wow. This was very helpful to me. I would be one of the folks on your bad list. Will correct, now that I know! :)

Good to know your pet peeves.  I was number 2 since 2008.  But now I'm back with a vengence.  I am learning so much.

WOW - I am sooooo proud of this post!   625 comments and it never even got featured!  WooHoo as Sally would say.

Jane - great to have you back.  Looking forward to seeing your climb back to the top and all your successes along the way. :-)

It is 2010 and still getting comments.  Very helpful info.  Trying to blog more and answer any questions.  Thanks lots.

Thanks for the informative content !

Thanks for letting me know about the "notify me of new comments button".  I think I have been guilty of leaving a question and not going back.  I go back a few times but if there isn't an answer I forget about it.  I was wondering...'hey, why don't I get notified when I get an answer"...LOL now I know why. Thanks

wow what a great post,, I am one of the ones that started trying for th enumbers and have learned so much along the way,  I am working on providing new unique content and fun,  Also I am the person that will add you as an associate never thought about adding a comment I only add people when when i am impressed with his or her blog or, their profile I will now start to make comments..

 

Thank you brad for this post!!!!

Ken - I would have commented and replied sooner, but this blog post just takes forever to load.  lol~ 

Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to wait for this post to load and then commenting on it to boot. 

You're a good man!  :-)

Thanks for the tips - especially about faux pas's. I do use the "save as draft" mode often because most blogs take time to write.

Brad.....I'm all about 3 and 6.  I see "Point People."  I'd rather have business!  Number 6 happens to me wayyyyyy to much....even today!  Frustrating as all hell!

Larry - 3 things:

1. Thanks alot for commenting and making me come back and read a post that is so old, I'm going to have to go up and re-read what I wrote to find out  exactly what #3 and #6 are???  lol~

2. This post takes forever to load, even on my screamin macbook pro.

3. I think it's all these comments... hahaha~  I still can't believe how many there are, and this wasn't even a featured post. :-O

After I go back up and read this post again, I'm going to the AR stats page to see some numbers... should be interesting.

8th thing to avoid on ActiveRain: Leaving comments that are random and totally off topic and out in left field!!  rofl~

 

Hey Larry - I'm a man of my word! :-))

Brad, I joined AR about 3 weeks ago and am guilty of some of the sins you mentioned in your post - out of ignorance. For example, I added Associates because I enjoyed reading their posts and wanted to remember them. I didn't know what comments I was supposed to write, so I left the space  blank. How do I change or add comments? I tried to figure it out but without any success. 

Hi Elizabeth - you can go in and simply add a comment to any associate you've added on AR. 

Go to your "My Home" page and you'll find the access link located on the left hand sidebar.

Just click on the associates name and add your comment. 

If you need some help with it, just let me know.  Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you around more often.  :-)

I know this is an older post, but I'll add my two cents worth!  I think many newbie or infrequent AR members feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of blogs. Perhaps they need time to process the experience. Also, often I feel I want to add something more meaningful, so I don't respond.

There's lots of great training to help new members get over some of those types of hurdles Jean, better overwhelmed than under whelmed or not prepared.  Better to know and not need it than need it and not know right?  :-)

good points - good to know how to avoid making the mistakes - BTW, nice and creative way of putting the heading via the license plate images!  :)

I'm learning more about the etiquette of Active Rain every day. Thanks for the tips!

Brad - this is a good post - just saw it was reblogged again  - hope you are having a nice weekend!

June - sorry I miessed your comment, AR email notifications must have been down when yo left it back in May. The etiguette you learn here on AR can be carried across and applied to all your online endeavors... It's all good :-)

Thanks Courtney - hope yo're having a great weekend too.  :-)

I'll try not to disapoint

Richard - chances are, you'll find it very difficult to disappoint here in the rain. :-)

Hey - what's a guy got to do to get a suggest for "FEATURE" around here???   rofl~  :-))

Hi Brad, I've been here a little while and once again have learned something new and valuable. Now I know what the comment check box is for.

Evan

Good information to know, thank for sharing with us.

Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information; my motto is to learn something everyday and I did by reading your posting! Have an awesome day in real estate!

Thanks Mike - that's a great motto we should all follow.  :-)

Thank you for sharing great advice

I agree totally

I never saw so many comments... good post for sure...

I like that you mentioned content......I try to learn from all of you, but some posts, you all know, are just for points....no value for others.

 

Inna - yup, points will never get cashed in, points will never build relationships, and points will NEVER close transactions and build business for you.  But I will also add, points are fun, competitive, and keep people competing for placement in their local areas on ActiveRain.  Genius!!  :-)

lol, true:)

but at the same time if the blog is alive( like yours) you have a lot of comments( additional points to u:) and you do create relationships and subscribers.

Those who just copy and paste have no subscribers, no comments, no associates......lonely climbing up the hill of rating:)

 

Inna - very VERY true!  This post sure has received quite a few comments and I haven't seen too many using the copy and paste syndrome that often times can inhibate a potential and worthy blogger and commenter. 

Great points!! (no pun intended... well, maybe a little)  lol~  :-)

Thanks for the tips.  I've had an account for a long time and I'm finally trying to get into it now.  The etiquette is always helpful to for newbies.

The first thing I learned is to write and save a post in Word or other format, in case it is lost, in the process of posting.