I have noticed over the past few months that some are not familiar with the reblogging feature of Activerain. Some Activerain blogs are just decorated with reblogs of other member's posts on every type of posts possible. These posts include everything from recipes, jokes, etc.
So, I figured I would share the reasons why the reblog feature was designed. This is just my opinion of what it is use for, not an official thing from Activerain. For more info from Activerain, visit Bob's post here. Now, here are my thoughts as to what it is used for.
Reblogging should be used for bringing in good content that you would like shared with your audience. Sometimes you come across some phenomenal content that you wish to share with your readers that was written by someone else.
Reblogging is also effective for getting something found online by someone else. Have you seen this post? This post was reblogged 33 times to get Seth Godin's attention! His google alerts went off constantly. The end result was Margaret Rome's wish was made known to him.
On the other hand, reblogs are not to be used for gaining points. Here is why:
If you are constantly using a reblog to gain more points, then you have the idea of the feature as well as the reason Activerain has a point system. The reason you don't want to constantly reblog everyone else's material is that you are giving a bad representation of yourself. It shows that you do not either have the time, creativity or passion to write your own material.
The readers of your site are being directed to other blogs and away from your posts as well. The whole point of having your own blog is to attract readers to you and have them come back over and over. You also want them to stay at your blog and not clicking on links to go elsewhere.
In closing, I hope this simple post helps explain the reason you have the reblog button as well as some its pros and cons,
Jeremy Blanton- Myrtle Beach Real Estate Expert
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Thanks for the explanation! I never really noticed that arrow at the top corner before last week. I had written a post for the newbie contest, and got several comments like: "I wish this was re-bloggable"....well I didn't know what that meant or how to do that....after double checking a bunch of different things, I finally saw that check box...Hmmm, then I got that part...now I am trying to figure out what to do with it! I will test it and see if it works...
Ok, well that didn't work...I clicked on your arrow "reblog" and nothing happened...
I thank you for the explanation, too. Being new to Active Rain and trying to learn the essential first I saw the re-blog but had no idea until your post what it was for.
I actually disabled my reblog. I happen to have a lot of local content that I didn't feel like giving to my local competitors for free.
Jer...can I re-blog this? Just kidding!! :-)
Hi Jeremy - I don't usually pay much to reblogs (although some are great reminders of worthwhile informaton) and have noticed those that are doing it just to post something. Thanks for the information. Many don't know what the feature is for.
Thanks Jeremy,
I am new to the rain and this is very informative. I have read alot of these re-blogs and I know agents that have had content "borrowed." Something to keep in mind!
Lisa Southern
Hi Jeremy! There are times when a re-blog is appropriate--trying to spread the word about, say, someone who is ill or a special event for AR members...
However, I have noticed that some people abuse the feature--they don't write any or VERY little of their own content and just re-blog all over the place. They're likely not making many relationships here in the Rain either.
Jeremy, there is no doubt that the reblog button is one that should be used with discretion. A post that should be reblogged is one that you feel needs to be shared with those that might otherwise have missed it. Take care and happy blogging!
I haven't reblogged anything yet and appreciate the explanation. I can see how overusing the reblog feature can be detrimental to a member's blog.
Nice post! I also wanted to welcome you to activerain, I hope you enjoy it.
Featured @ Club Chaos
I really like the idea of re-blogging content that our readers will find interesting and useful. What a great feature. Nice post!
Jeremy I guess my content sucks. no one wants to reblog my stuff. Oh well I have a thick skin. Have a good weekend.
The other benefit is the link to your outside blog:)
Good explanation, Jeremy,
I love the way you worked BB's post about reblogging into your post.
BTW, My google alerts is how I found this post.
thank you for taking the time to explain reblogging to us! I wondered!
Great explaination Jeremy. I have seen some bloggers who only reblog. Maybe blogging is not for them. Have a great week.
Jeremy-Thanks for the great explanation! Always so much to learn here on AR, thank you for your insight! Best to you~
Jeremy,
Do you know if there is an actual penalty for using the re-blog feature too much? I was just on an agents blog who has almost 300K points but barely any original content.
John
Jeremy,
Do you know if I can re-blog my own blogs to an outside blog like blogger.com?
Cheers, Emily
Sorry Emily, but that cannot be done...you can however copy & paste it there....but I would not suggest doing that. You will run into duplicate content issues
Good point Jeremy...if you were in a band, eventually your own material and not cover songs of others would be the goal.
Well said, well stated. Responsible reblogging for all!
I havebeen a member for some time but now really want to use this to my advantage