The Official ActiveRain Guide

We are looking for other creative ways to earn the Rainmaker badge and would love to get your input in the comments here.

Thanks BRAD!! I was freaking out for the first day because all my activerain friends had their badges and mine wasn't showing, but now it is. I am so glad to feel included in this special thing. Sounds silly doesn't it? but i love it!

Hey Brad, I love it. Knowing how competitive we all are, we'll all want ALL of them. You guys are the best! Heck, I didn't even know about some of them, but with the icons/badges, we'll know and will be finding out what they're all about!! ;-)

You are missing the one million points badge. Wasn't Jonathan the one with that score?! :)

Maybe there should be a badge for every 100K. Such as 100,200,300 etc. And the gold star for the million.

<<<<< That guy is very appreciative, though having my picture everywhere may scare off some potential business:)

Shane - we were just talking about that on the phone, love it!!  Keep the suggestions and ideas coming!  :-)

Hi Brad,

I logged off AR late last night - actually very early this morning. At that time everything looked the same. Then, I logged on first thing this morning and my picture and badge were everywhere....posts, comments. What a fun way to start the day! Thanks!

yes, I like it. From a graphic designer's (I am not a designer but I pretend to be :-)), I wish the small rainmaker badger could be smaller. It is a bit an eye sore for me. Or maybe the color could be lighter.

Gee, I'm probably a long way from a badge for a million points, but I would like to find out how to get my picture to show up when I post a comment. 

No use having a badge if I don't have a picture! :)

Can you give me some instructions or refer to me where I can find out how to get the picture there?

As usual, thanks a bunch.

P.S. - As Georgia's RPAC chairman for 2003 and 2004, one of the 'rewards' my committee used for the contributors to RPAC were pins designed especially for the various levels of contribution.  The thought process is similar to the new Active Rain badges.  I think they are a great idea and look forward to getting one soon!

Lynda

Brad, what is a rainmaker account?  This is very timely as I was about to write a blog post asking for help on this issue.  I'm still struggling with the value of some of the upgrades.

Sandy - it's not silly at all, I'm proud and you should be too. 
It's OK to Stand out, rewards for your efforts are very cool!!

Teri - great things are always on the horizon in the "rain!"  :-)

Jason - I disagree, it may have the opposite affect and folks
will just "Leave-You-Alone A-Loan!"

Always fun to log on and see how things are changing.

Brad, Like the new look... Keep the changes coming... Change is good...

Brad, I knew that an explanation would be forthcoming.... thank you.

Okay, we're on tenterhooks awaiting the news on the new "ambassador" badges.

(Badges??? Badges????  We don't need no steeenkin' badges!!)

These are terrific ideas.  I'm impressed and this makes it even more fun to blog here now.  Nice.

The badges are definitely an incentive to sign up for an outside blog or sponsor a localism page.

Suzanne - Glad we could help start off your day right!!  :-)

Huiting - thanks for sharing that, we love member feedback and opinions...always. 

Lynda - the answer is right in this post, just read it again.  Here's a little hint:  (Big Smile)
(your photo will show up in the comments if you using at least one of these ActiveRain products or services)

I LOVE the photos in the comments section and the NEW badges. They are terrific and a great branding idea. ( I am a brand advocate! ) Thanks for thinking of it and continuing to make Active Rain a creative and exciting place to be....

Brad, I think the badges and avatars are pretty cool.  I hope that I will have one or more someday.  I am always a little behind the times.

Thanks Brad! Love the badges.

Brad, what is a rainmaker account?  This is very timely as I was about to write a blog post asking for help on this issue.  I'm still struggling with the value of some of the upgrades.

Kate - here's a link that explains it in detail, but there are a ton of comments, so it may take a sec to load on your browser: http://activerain.com/blogsview/925822/ActiveRains-NEW-Membership-Plan

Amazing how this thing keeps evolving! What will it (AR) look like in a year?

Brad

Just when you think it doesn't get better you just make it better, and better, and better.

Where on Earth could I ever begin to get this kind of exposure, and still feel pretty good about my conspicuous consumption?

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Brad – I love the avatar pics.  Yeah Yeah Yeah!  Even if they were a lot smaller!  I'm currently torn on the badges. Maybe I'll get used to them as time goes by.   

Are the icons below the picture supposed to link somewhere?  Every time I click on one, it says "error on page" at the bottom of my screen.

Interesting idea.  What will they mean to the public?   Are they clickable so that someone could learn what they meant?  You could also frame avatars as some kind of special branding ie, gold frame  = top 100 points holder or top 10 in state.

Brad,

Seems like everytime I arrive at AR, often, there is something new. Usually, when there is something new, one can at least piece it all together by looking for a post by you or Rich.

Brad,

DUH!!!  I think I read too fast.

Thanks for the tip - Big Smile.

I'm off to work on getting a picture and a badge.

You're 'The Bomb!'

Lynda

Colleen - thanks, our team works really hard to make this stuff happen, we can hardly keep up with each other!  LOL~ 

Michael - oh that's one thing for sure you can always count on, ActiveRain is forever growing and changing.

Alan - I was just waiting for someone to say "The Famous Badges Line!"  haha~  More coming soon on the AR Ambassador Badge, I'll try to beat the guys on getting that post out first.  lol
(They are really good and fast, so it makes the race somewhat of a challenge for me at times..)  :-)

I'm still not sure what a Rainmaker account is.

I want a little "hot rod" badge for my picture...  Can you whip that up? 

At first I didn't see the point to the badges but now I like to being able to quickly scroll down and see who has commented.  I don't understand the point of the other little icons showing what you pay for.  What if I don't want my competition to know what I'm doing?  Can we opt out?

What happened to the "ActiveRain God" badge? I wanted one of those!

Aaron - glad you like, and hope you will. 

Morgan - just let me know if you need any help with either of those.

Pamela - creative and exciting are my two favorite words!  Thanks.

Troy - one thing about AR, this network will absolutely keep you ahead of the times.

Cherimie - check you out!  You are the "Banner Badge Queen", they look great under your smile!!  :-)

Brad, good stuff.  I just had to post a comment to see my badges!  LOL!

Brad- I am not sure I like them, I see them as very distracting to the message in the comment.  the other questions I had is

1.  if the AR Guidelines say no advertising in the comment section of someone else's Post....how does this new Badge thing fit with that concept? 

2.  Are those little icons under the picture going to be clickable?   

If these Badges are here to stay I would suggest that the larger round ones the Rainmaker one go onto the left side so the eye is not distracted from the comment.

Brad - The badges are pretty cool. Thanks to you and the whole AR gang for doing a great job with this side. I also finally got an answer to the question. " How'd you do dat? "on the comments picture. Thanks for keeping us updated.

I feel so left out - I am participating in Listing Router (signed up maybe a week ago) - it seems that it is one of the pre-requisites from your description.

I thought of another badge. The Local Yokel. I know you have one localism badge for sponsoring but this one would be to reward those who consistently post excellent localism content or for those who have achieved so many featured localism posts. I think it would be a fun badge and a great way to encourage good localism content.

Another badge I think would be to reward those who consistently contribute excellent member advice. Those that consistently write content that is useful for other member's, agents or affilliates. I don't know what criteria would be needed but this one might be called the Helping Hand badge. I think there are some on here who have achieved that. I think its important and one of the things that makes this place so great. Its one of the reasons I write so many posts geared towards helping other members.

Brad - no need to apologize! I just wanted one for myself :)

Brad... Badges are a great idea, look fantastic, and make ya feel kinda special.  Any way to get a print-quality RainMaker badge for use in print and other web applications.  Would love to use that to promote both myself and Active Rain!  You guys are legends...

Brad, this just adds another great dimension to participation on Active rain. Thanks for the update and the "Badge"

I love the pics in the replies...makes it so much easier to feel like you are connecting with someone (plus I seem to remember faces better than names).  Very cool!

Very cute - I of course think that 100k and 200k and so on are great milestones, too:) Of course I am biased:) 

Love the Raingod badges, too:)

Cathy,

Regarding listing router. That applies only to the paid version of the listing router. And it also dictates that you have spent $10 in the last 30 days on a listing router campaign (keeping it in line with the $9 localism sponsorship and the $19 outside blog feature).

Brad just clarified in the body of the post.

Brad, "We don't need no Stinking Badges!!!"  Just kidding, lol and all that, great to see you never stop amazing us with your new and innovative ideas of how to make this a better place for all involved, keep up the good work!

:0 Checking to see if mine works.

I love the badges.  And, I like the recommendation to add 100K/200K milestones!

Kathy

This is a really cool idea! You guys always are up to something new and fun. kh

I'm really trying to keep up here...   lol~

Gary - In a year?  That's an exciting yet scary thought!  haha

Tom - "still feel pretty good about my conspicuous consumption?" Only on AR! :-)

Mike - torn?  How so?  Share that thought....

Donna - yes, they will eventually link to....  you'll have to wait and see like me.  haha

Maureen - still not sure, but love the ideas so keep them coming and thanks for sharing them.

Steven - sometimes our programmers and developers beat us to the punch, like today.

Hey Brad - thanks for the link.  I had read.  I still don't know what the listing router does and why a loan officer would use it??

So your picture only shows up in the comments if you have upgraded at some level???  This means that if you have upgraded in February your pic will show up, but if you don't purchase an upgrade in March the pic and badges will not appear???

Christopher - "I'm still not sure what a Rainmaker account is."
http://activerain.com/blogsview/925822/ActiveRains-NEW-Membership-Plan

With all of these new badges -- Does this mean that we will have to start selling ACTIVE RAIN Cookies?

Thanks!  Love the new badges ; ) Do you guys ever sleep?

thanks for explaining the badges...  They are different...

Brad and team- I love the badges!  Great work... 

I had a random thought... it might look great to have the badges separate from the photo- as in, maybe in a row on the lower right side of the comment.  This way the badges would not take away from the power and personality of the personal photo and balance out the look of the comment as a whole.  I also agree with the person who said it would be awesome to have some kind of short explanation pop up as to what the badges represent.  This way, clients and those not familiar to the Rain, would be educated.  Thanks for everything... you guys rock! 

OMG I feel like such a looser.  I stoped my outside blog because I am in transition and didn't have time to devote to it.  It did take me sometime last week when I saw the photos next to the comments and I don't even like my photo.  Well, I better get going and pay for something so I don't feel so "out of place."

Lane - here you go!!

Ooooohhhh - I love them!  I want one in every color! 

Hi Brad,  This platform just keeps evolving and offering more options.  Keep up the fabulous work !

Thanks Brad. I see I'm included now!

Thanks, Brad.  The badges are great!

I do like the photo in the comment, but I can take or leave the badges.  Goodness, every day is a new adventure on ActiveRain!

At first I didn't see the point to the badges but now I like to being able to quickly scroll down and see who has commented.  I don't understand the point of the other little icons showing what you pay for.  What if I don't want my competition to know what I'm doing?  Can we opt out? 

Krista - We thought it would be a great way to showcase the people who are supporting the network and hadn't considered that people would want to opt out. We appreciate your suggestion and will add the option allowing people to opt out.  Thanks.  :-)

I am bummed that you have to buy something to get a badge.  Someone mentioned the Girl Scouts, well I was a Girl Scout and never paid for Any of the badges that I EARNED.   Notice the difference?  I earned my Badges, Did not Buy them.  I thnk adding badges for people that have crossed different miles stones, 100K, 200K etc and maybe for Featured Agent.  If you have worked hard enough to become the Featured Agent in your City, that should count for something too.  I am sure that more changes will come about, I will like some and others not so much. 

Take Care & Fly High In 2009!

Brad ~ I like the photos (just on their own) in the comments section.  When I see an unfamiliar name in my comment section I have always clicked on it to go see who it was that left the comment, so I like to see the face right there.  I understand that not everyone has that though. 

I like my badge!  And, I'm proud of it!  I'm about halfway to the 300,000 badge; if I didn't know better I would think AR is trying to make these badges a goal! ; )

I am intrigued by the Ambassador Badge!  Can't wait to hear about it!

Brad – Torn in that I like the recognition factor but they also are a little distracting.  Like I said, maybe It'll just take me a while. Another thought would be to add them (even smaller) at the end of your signature line as in:

Note to self: When helping someone fix something, log out before commeting!!!

What I meant to say was: JB, You made some great suggestions there. We are considering all feedback and have already had a little conversation here about your comment. Thanks.

James - We only get one Badge and it's just going to be a staff or AR Team Badge, I hope we can spruce it up a bit, right now it looks like a couple eyeballs staring at you.  haha..  

Bob - so the new badge motivated you to comment?  This is a good thing, you get 25 points for that too. lol~

Kathy - It's not really any different than the link in your signature when you leave a comment, (yes, they will be click-able) Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comment.  Now stop being such a stick in the mud!  ....just kidding.  :-))

Sharon and Greg - feel free to ask questions anytime from us or any of the members, there's something new to learn on ActiveRain everyday.  :-)

Cathy - I see Bob replied already and yes, we did edit this post to include that.  Thanks.

Shane - thanks for your ideas, we have a few we're cooking up and kicking around for the new ambassador badge that you'll hear more about sooner than later...

Sylvie,

Based on your feedback and that of others, we are already considering ways that people can 'earn' badges. Thank you for that piece of feedback, it is appreciated.

Brad - you're right, it does look a little eyeballish right now haha

Brad.. I'm a Girl Scout again... Love the badges.  I take it the black "infinity" looking badge is for ActiveRain employees.  :)  I like the recognition of these.

Brad, this gives the site and each of us an "appreciated" appeal. Thank you. Active Rain is just getting more and more fun.

If you create a badge for the ABSOLUTE MOST ADDICTED...I win.

Later in the rain~Deb

I do like seeing the faces of the commenters. Thanks!

Question: Will these images update automatically when we change our profile pictures (or can we upload a separate image for the comment avatar)?

Let me know!

Thanks!

Brad - I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I woke up to those colorful icons under our photos and the Rainmaker Badge next to our profile photos.  The badges are very eye-catching and a nice idea to showcase the many services we can participate in through the network.  The creativity of the AR Team is fabulous and I can't wait for upcoming news on anything else that you have on the drawing board.

Brad - I particularly love seeing the pictures along with the comments.  The changes have been coming fast and furious lately. 

Bill - I think it's ok and allowable for you to use these graphics where you'd like.  Just right click on the image and save it to your desktop, then you can use it as an image on other locations.  I haven't confirmed that yet, but I see no harm in it.  :-)

Also, while I'm at it... Is there anyway to turn off the image optimization (say, for images under a certain size)?

I'm more than happy to optimize my images to a limited size, and still have control over how grainy they get. Right now, even if I get them very tiny and clear, they get granitized (pixelated) after I upload them to the profile.

Brad,

I am glad that others as well are commenting on Earning a Badge.  I LOVE AR and all the wonderful information, news, ideas. etc that I have leaned since joining a year ago, (this month!) I also have been a subscriber to your blog for quite awhile and enjoy it immensely.  
Like I said earlier, I like alot of the changes, and some of the changes are just Ok.  Thanks for listening.  : )

Take Care & Fly High In 2009!

What do you think about giving them the ability to be individually linked? Hot linked.

Even with so many getting out of real estate it is good to see you guys continue to push forward thank you.

One more thing you really need to look into (and I've sent multiple emails about this) is the fact that the tag links on the post are broken. They don't work.

At some point the AR tag link structure was edited and when you click on a tag it no longer works. I just tested this on this post of yours and got the same 404 error.

I can manually type in the correct link and it will work, but the username is being left out of the system generated tag link.

For example, the tag link in my blog to the word "testimonial" is generated as:

http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/testimonial

This is a broken link.

When I manually insert my username "/eba" back into the link, it works.

http://activerain.com/blogs/eba/tags/testimonial

Just wanted to let you know because I had plans to use the tag links in future blog entries like I have done in the past.

Right now, if a consumer clicks on a tag, they get an error...

I would think this would be an easy programming fix and I first brought it up about 2 months ago but I have not seen it fixed.

Thanks for listening!

Brad, I don't have a badge yet, but I agree with Lane above that it looks much nicer at the end of the signature line and then the picture is by itself.

Ellie - we are definitely dimensional her on AR, glad you like the new look.  :-)

Leslie - I agree totally.  Seeing the photo of each person commenting not only helps me know where I left off while commenting, I feel like I am responding to a person and not a comment.  Helps other visitors get to know you while on others blog posts too.  I like it.

Courtney - we are looking at the idea of having the 100k, 200k, 300k, even 600k badges as well. Thanks.

Brad, I abslutely love it when something cool appears overnight and I didn't have to snag it, link it, copy it, paste it et... Thanks. I think the badges are very cool.

Ok here is my contribution for the day Brad - What would be awesome is if there was a badge to know whether or not the person was a subscriber to your blog. I know what your thinking you would then have to finally subscribe to my blog - LOL

Speaking of issues I meant to remind you about what Ben just mentioned - All our links are broken in our outside blogs and localism going back to the beginning of time.

Steve - your badge and photo look great!  Glad you like it too. 

Michelle - Surprise!!  YEAH!!!!   :-))

Kathy - thanks, and we're on it.  I like the milestone badge idea as well.

Kate - always! Thanks for your comment.

Lovin the new badges, Brad! And, Id like to give Rich a shout-out! Helped me get my outside blog all up and running...Much appreciated!

Lovin the AR...keep it up!

I saw the update about listing router and I signed up for 4 click campaigns and it says my account is up to about $25.00 and I have a credit of $1.89 so does this qualify for the $10?  I set my maxiumum at $50 so don't know when you charge my card.  I guess I need a little more clarification on this.

"Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!" From Blazing Saddles, a direct steal from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

I need stinkin' badges. Why? Because it's fun!

Thanks to the team. I like.

I definitely like the photos in the comments.  I'm not sure whether I care about the badges or not but I don't see the harm in them.

The AR badge looks like my childhood magic 8 ball.  I want to pick it up and shake it and see what kind of answer I get.

  Looks like I have some work to do and catching up to do then!  I am anxious to hear about the Ambassador badge

Brad,

Looks like you guys are headed in the right direction. Glad to have my badges!

Hi Brad - This is so cool. I haven't notice whether our badges are showing up or not. We do sponsor many communities in Localism but have yet to see my badge show up. Just curious. Keep up the cool additions though. Change IS good. Bob H

Brad,

Keep them coming!

Badges?... We don't need no... stinkin' badges!" is one of the most frequently quoted, misquoted, and parodied movie quotations in history. In 2005, it was chosen as #36 on the American Film Institute list, AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes.

The original quotation comes from the 1948 film The Treasure of the Sierra Madre with Humphrey Bogart. In one of the scenes in the movie a Mexican bandit leader (Gold Hat played by Alfonso Bedoya) is trying to convince Fred C Dobbs (played by Bogart) and company that they are the Federales.

Joan - AR Cookies, I would have never thought of that, what a great idea???  How about a Car Wash too?  This could really turn into something here, it might even change the world as we know it!  :-)

Brad -  Bob here again. Ok gonna try with this account and see what happens. Badges anywhere here? Just testing this account that I have with all my localism sponsorships.  Gimme a cookie :-)

Brad -  Ok it works! Cool. thanks and keep up the cool updates. A/R just keeps getting better. Rock on! 

I have a follow up post to this post here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/942929/Badges

(Is this comment against social blogging etiquette?)

Does the badge allow me to arrest people???

Bob Hammerstein you've  got bling... I mean badges.  I like the badges.  I am working hard to get a new badge right now.  I had badge envy when I saw all of Missy's this morning. 

Sandy - no.., well...sometimes.  lol~  Thanks.

Caron - AR is all about different, there's no place quite like it on the web.

JB - love your random thoughts, our entire team is reading them right now so thanks for sharing and keep em coming.  We'll do the rest.  You rock JB!  :-)

Christine - don't have time??  Outside Blog posts require a check mark in a box and 1/10 of a second to post.  They take less than 1-2 minutes to setup.  Not sure I understand what you mean?  One thing for sure, NO MEMBER on AR is a loser!!!  Call me and I'll help you out if you if you want.

Jeannie - you are too cute and funny.  Thanks.

Can you put my matching green border back?  How'd How'd you get that feedback button on there? I want one of those.

Can we color coordinated the badges?

Not to be a Badge Begger, but is the for setting up outside blogs through AR?  I have the AR blog plus two others.  I also have a Localsim sponsership from a donation I made over Christmas time.  I want to be in the "in crowd" too!  :~)

Looks like I just got a couple new badges myself, these AR guys are incredibly fast!  I like them way better than the eyeballs and the one I had at 5:30 this morning!  haha~  Thanks AR gurus for the new design and speedy deployment.  :-))

You get my personal stamp/badge of approval:

Brad, looks like I'm going to have one of the few dissenting opinions on the new badges/avatars.  I don't like them at all!  Is there a way I can "opt-out" of them?  I don't mean to sound harsh, but it reminds me of some agents I see that list 14 sets of letters after their name.  The public doesn't know what they mean, and could usually care less.  Other agents know most of them but it looks like ego.

The new badges strike me as looking like merit badges, Good Housekeeping Seals of Approval, USDA Approved, etc.  And in my terms, it cheapens the look to the public.  So that's my only suggestion ~ is there any way you can make them visible to Members Only, but invisible to non-members?  Barring that, what about down-sizing them?

One last comment >>> I certainly understand recognizing and regarding those that contribute the most.  The flip side of that coin, however, is that you can alienate the rest of the members, bring on feelings of inferiority and actually demoralize them.

Celeste - It's from getsatisfaction.com - you can set one up for your business. I just did it for ours. I originally saw it here, and thought it was an AR feature - and then I saw it elsewhere, and realized we could be using it too!

It's totally cool, and an excellent way to interact with your viewers. And like many of the best things in life, it's free to use!

Thanks for the info Brad. I was wondering what these symbols were. I've noticed that the members with badges seem to have a photo next their comments as well. Is that part of this new badge program?

Very Cool!  Thanks for all your hard work.

Brad- Like I told Jonathan, I just love the badges, I have everyone of them:) I am not too proud to say that I love recognition and a pat on the bat. It makes you feel appreciated and after all, that is the inner most desire of every human even if they deny so. Katerina

Hi Brad,  This platform just keeps evolving and offering more options.  Keep up the fabulous work !

Bill - thanks, and we will continue to do so long into the future. 

Susie - you've always been included!!  Stinking badges or not, you know how much we all love you. :-)

Margaret - I understand, you will be able to take or leave the badges at your discretion soon. 
Glad you like your photo, it really is nice to see the faces I'm responding to.   Thanks.

Brad- thank you for posting the link to Kate. I have been away from AR with the birth of my first child. I am trying to get back to being actively involved with AR and I'm hoping the link you posted will be the most efficient way to learn since time is such a premium now with an infant. :)  Thanks again.

Thanks for the update!   I don't have any of those fun things yet but I think its only a matter of time.

I love the amount of innovation on AR.  I am in a leadership position in my real estate office and no longer actively sell - although I do live vicariously through some of the agents in my office!  I am on AR to help me understand more about social networking and also to soak up (and contribute in little ways) to the awesome knowledge base here.  I will probably never pay for any of AR's tools but I can see where agents and others doing so would like the badges.  Keep up the good work! 

@Cathy Tishhouse

WOOHOO! (sorry Sally, that just came out so natural)

CONGRATULATIONS!!  :-)

Check your comments now...

The competition intensifies!!  I want my pic and a badge so I can fit in here at AR.  Upgrading can only help us!  Guess I better look into what would benefit me most, thanks for giving us motivation to help ourselves!

In regards to other ways to "earn" a badge, what about if you've ever had a featured post?

Just a thought...

Maryellen

Sorry, still don't get it.  I've read the posts about badges and avatars.  Do you need to be paying for an outside blog, localism or list router to get your photo in the comments?

Brad,

I love all the updates and changes.  Keep em coming!

I love having a photo to go with the comments - however, I'd like to see the rain drop the same size as the other badges. Or perhaps as Cathy mentions, moving it to the left side of the photo might help.

I've decided I am going to have to give up listing and selling real estate. There isn't enough time in the day to do that and keep up with the changes on AR! I log off for the night, come back the next morning and WOW!   :)

Sylvie - thanks, I believe all of our members have earned their way to wherever they are in both our community and in the outside world.  We are always looking for ideas and suggestions from our members but also know that many things we do implement into our network do come from the pull/pool of our membership.  The idea of having a gold star/badge for a States Top Agent is an idea worth certainly looking into, and it will be.  We appreciate your input and truly value your comment.

Brad, I think these are Great! We are all rainmakers in our very own way! This is what makes Activerain Special ! Building, Growing and Sharing Business information and getting support for doing so..

I look forward to growing together with the future of activerain !

OK here are my thoughts:

I don't like the badges at all. In an earlier comment it was mentioned how we should be proud of our accomplishments. I agree with that statement but I don't see how me paying for a Localism sponsorship or listing router is an accomplishment. An accomplishment is something we achieve not something any body can do by writing a check. Personally I feel where I chose to spend or not spend my money on AR is my personal business.

We have many members who contribute a lot but do not pay for extra services. If it were me I would feel belittled. Just my 2 cents

Kathy - I find myself going over to the photo after reading a comment now every time.  It's only been a few hours and I'm already creating new subconscious habits!  ROFL~  I really do like seeing members faces when I comment or respond.  I wonder if that will defuse some of the more (how do I say) less than desirable commenting that happens from time to time... there's something about a members smiling face that makes it really hard to get perturbed with somebody else... or... at least not quite as much.  Now it's not just text comments, they're alive!!  It's a real person that everyone can see now...  So Keep smiling! ;-)

One day we should add video inplace of photos for those that would like to have their picture talk...  Hmmm

Broker Bryant,

I agree with your assessment to a certain degree.  I would like to come up with some more ways for people to earn some free badges.  I was having trouble thinking of good ones and I am eager to hear if anyone has any suggestions.

We will be adding more badges for point earners, so if you have an outstanding amount of points you can earn your badge that way - no cost.

Lastly, we will be adding a "hide badges" options in the settings area for members who don't want to have their badges displayed.

Christ after reading all the comments I think you may need a shrink - LOL

Hi Brad - It's Rich...you got any money I can borrow for a coffee? Ooopps sorry wrong photo - LOL

I like the photo's but I could probably live without the badger. They seems a little distracting.

Brad~

I've been away for a few days (out of the rain) and I am amazed at the new developments. I completely understand the reasoning behind them- it is very innovative and a great way to allow members to really stand out from the crowd. I need a few days to investigate and apply the newest features.

Mott Marvin Kornicki // Real Estate In Miami // Associate | Broker • 30 Years

Aventura // The Waterways // Bal Harbour // Sunny Isles Beach • Florida

Brad - Are you seriously trying to kill youself?  First came the post announcing the new changes...I know for a fact that one beat you up with so many comments.  Now you've got this one and the comments are pouring in already.  I think you may need vacation after you're done.

Hey Brad: Pretty cool. The only thing I would change is maybe lightening the AR badge a bit so it resembles more of a watermark. Being in the right-hand corner, it kinda interferes with some agent's pictures. But you could put mine in the middle of my forehead, and I wouldn't squeak about it. P.S. Sheldon, if you are reading this, don't you dare . . .

LOL - loved reading all the comments.  The badges and photos are cool...makes me just kill more time reading all the comments because I am staring at the photos and seeing what badges everyone has!!!

Badges! How cool is that?!

Brad – Torn in that I like the recognition factor but they also are a little distracting.  Like I said, maybe It'll just take me a while. Another thought would be to add them (even smaller) at the end of your signature line as in:

Mikey - that's an awesome idea, thanks for taking the time to create and throw up a sample of your idea.

Thanks for shedding light on the subject.  There is so much to weed through but it makes more sense to me now.

Clever concept.  I like it....I think.  Give the AR world a few days........

Brad – My pleasure. And you'll note that Lane got his HotRod badge as well   : )  

I sent you an email before I read the post. Got a little a head of my self there. Cool idea. Keep'em coming.

Cheers!

This is going to be very interesting!  I can't wait to see what will be next! 

gotta love being stamped! Thanks Active Rain

James - by the time I got to your comment, that one had already changed, no more eyeballs.  :-)

Valerie - the "infinity" is gone.  The new one clearly answers that question.  haha

Deb - Most Addicted?  Yep, you gt the badge!  lol

Benjamin - these are your profile pictures, they will update automatically if you change them, and no, there is not a separate image that can be created for comments.

Donna - I promise to share as much as I can and as fast as I can but as you know, seatbelts and helmets are required when "playing in the rain!" I'll do my best to keep you informed.  More coming soon about the ambassadors badge.

Pam - seriously, better fasten your seatbelt!  :-))

Benjamin - what do you think, I'm some kinda tech guy? lol~  I'm not sure how the images are optimized but I know your comment has been read and taken into consideration so thanks for pointing that out. 

Gena - that's coming "The Hot Links are coming, The Hot Links are Coming!"  :)

I was under the impression that AR was a free web site. I think it's very unfair to "award" pics and badges to the Active Rainers who spend money here while making it obvious to all the ones who don't spend money. Also, I'm quite sure that alot of Rainers are going to feel "pressured" into buying their recognition just to be like the others (I gathered this by reading the comments in this post). Personally, I don't think this was a well thought out plan to benefit all of US, the people who make Active Rain what it is. Thank you.

Giving them borders to signify the top points scorers for each year, and perhaps a double border to signify one who is also a points leader by state would be a nice addition. Furthermore as mentioned giving additional props to those who have the most referrals/associations/subscribers would also be a great idea.  As mentinoed to lenn, she should get a 600000 insignia as the 300000 just doens't do her justice.

We agree that the raindrop should be a wee bit smaller. Overall it makes more sense for them to stay where they are but moving them around is always exciting for the rest of us as we all like changes.

Here's an idea for ya. How about when members sign up they get a choice of an emblem that signifies the work they are in. A house icon for realtors, a spyglass for inspectors, a dollar bill for mortgage brokers, a colorwheel for stagers, a trophy for title companies. JUst rough ideas. This ensure they have something under their picture even if they are not paying for anything plus it allows people to more easily be able to recognize what they do for a living. Maybe marti could get a crayon icon to show he's an artist. Or perhaps just giving them an R, S, T or M would work too as you did for localism.

So ya run with those ideas, maybe it will spark something interesting for you guys. I'll try to come up with some nice design concepts for you now that the emblems are made.

Brad - Thanks for answering my first two questions. My blackberry is smoking from all the notifications I'm getting. Just get my last question about the broken links answered and I may just be able to turn off the notifications and keep it from frying some internal circuitry!

THANKS again!

Glad to see another interactive thread with feedback being heard and acted on quickly.

You just don't get that at the B word or the WP word...

Thanks for my blue badge of courage. Something is better than nothing :)

Hey! I have badges just like all the other cool kids! I was scared at first but they were there!

Thanks for the call the other day! That is what I call some customer service!!!!!!!!

Hi Brad~ I LOVE it that the photos show up on the comments!  I am not thrilled with the badges though, but to each his own.  

Brad, I love the pictures and saw a badge on my home page today...tonight it's gone.  I have no idea what will come up here :)  Missing ONE DAY on here and you've missed a zillion changes--all  of them good!  Thank you always for your hard work for all of us.

Brad - Maureen thanks! I do have bling/badges after all. Woo Hoo! Pretty darn cool!

Bill G - not sure what you mean, I just left you a message on your VM, give me a ring so I can see what exactly you're referring to.  I think you are referring to the copy and pasted links you've added to your posts?  Let me know, thanks.

Clint - oh, I'll shout at Rich for ya alright!!  haha!  Glad he was able to get you setup. :-)

Cathy - still waiting for your next comment...  (Big Smile) 

Judy - you do look happy.  Thanks.

Stacy - no harm no foul.  Appreciate your comment and thought.

Tammy - my 8-ball says "Try again Later?"  What's up with that?  It's a real 8-ball...on my iPhone!  lol

Naoma - more on that coming soon...  one thing at a time (like that's really possible) haha

Brad, I like Mike's idea of having the icon's after our Link instead of with the photos. It is very distracting.  And, I'm bummed about having to wait for news on the Active Rain Ambassador Badge.  Are you going to make me wait long?  <whine>   Any hints?????

Brad, I left a comment on your original post, but here seems to be the appropriate place..so I guess another THANKS won't hurt right? Also, I think the 300,000 point one is so cool....heck I had my sights on 100,000....now I have a very long, long, long, long way to go to get that one...but I WILL

K, just messin around with illustrator, some ideas for the mortage and realtor icons. also included 2 house icon ideas. If interested i have them as ai, psd,jpg or pdf formats.

Brad, I think it is good for AR to raise awareness and revenue by displaying the different tools available for AR members and who is using them.  I suspect that many will not want the competition to know which tools they are using. 

Victor - you have far too much time on your hands...  lol~

Hi Brad...I want so many badges that you will not be able to see my face!

Seriously, some people will be chasing badges like they do points.

You've got our  their competitive juices flowing.

I'm not saying if I'm in that camp or not.  Discretion is necessary at times.

By the way, you have no idea how many points and badges I would give you if you would simply allow me to announce one of these super popular posts dealing with a new twist to Active Rain.  Oh, to be able to garner so many points in such a short time. 

Not that I'm that concerned about points or badges!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kate

Brad, I was so happy to see my new badge, lol.  I like it!  I think you have another long night ahead of you...Here's a pillow and blanket.  See if you can catch a nap between comments :)

Brad...I was so excited I forgot to login.  The things you people do to us.

I'm a couple of comments up.

Kate

So.....how do I get a badge, any badge and how do it put it on my profile? Do you put it on the profile?  Or, does it get automatically put there?  Need to know please.

Portsmouth NH Real estate

Mike - that's great to hear, we're getting some great ideas and suggestions here.  Hope all is well. 

Bob - you probably have them on your joint profile with your beautiful wife.  :-)

Alan - a classic for sure, thanks for the roll down memory lane. 

Bob (again) - see, I told you.  I'll have to head over to facebook and poke you with a cookie. haha

Jon - I love ya, but that's hijacking and possibly border line spam!  :-O  I'm So glad you found that, I might have to add that post as a link in this one here.  Great stuff, thanks for sharing.

Desiree - I see you are getting really creative on ways to use your badge.  Only you can answer that one. :-)

Sally - so many questions, so little time, so much to do.  haha~  Call me and I'll tell you all about it later...

Terri - if it's noy showing up on yours yet, it should be soon.  Let me know if it's not there by tonight.

DUDE... That is a minivan.  I'm not the soccer mom realtor...  CAR GUY.  Here, let me help.  

Is Dez allowed to arrest people with her badges?  Maybe AR should come up with sashes, like Girl Scout sashes, for all the badges some people have.  Just saying......

I like Mikey's cute little thing he designed - I like Mike, and Mike I want one of those...no hot rod on mine, but I bet you could come up with something really special for me....  ;-)

Seriously, I do like the pictures in the comments.  In a holding pattern, however, about the badges...

Ann

Brad, thanks...  although it only took 10 minutes

anyways do you like the designs or should i quit while i'm behind.

Hi Brad, You must have missed my comment because I don't have a pic next to it? :-)

Do you need to pay for an outside blog, listing router, or localism to earn a pic?

Randy - we will add an opt out for members, see Jon's comment above from earlier.  Thanks, I appreciate your feedback. 

Hi Brad...I'm back again.  I hope we do not end up with such a hierarchy that some newer folks will feel (gosh, Brad, I'm not sure what word I want to use but there's something that fits here).

Anyway, I think you know what I'm getting at.  If not let me know and I'll try using my brain.

I really do like the photos.  They are friendly.

Kate

I was wondering what that was! Now I am going to look at my comment!

Randy,

You said:  "I certainly understand recognizing and regarding those that contribute the most.  The flip side of that coin, however, is that you can alienate the rest of the members, bring on feelings of inferiority and actually demoralize them."

You bring up a completely valid point. My first thought is that most people in this industry are motivated by competition. Does someone get  demoralized because the lady next to them at the company meeting, closed five deals and was rewarded and acknowledged in front of her peers......most likely no. But maybe that initial thought misses the point..........

I believe one solution is to reward achievement badges that are not based on paying and instead based on participation. This gives someone a target they can shoot for in order to 'earn' a badge. We are giving heavy consideration to adding those and what exactly they will be.

We wanted it to be fun and motivating while at the same time acknowledging those members that have supported ActiveRain financially so that we can continue to operate a viable business. I think the introduction of 'earned' badges will help with the 'fun and motivating' factor when they come out.

Brad...

I like the concept, I like recognition, and I like the fact that more is on the way! I can't want to add more bling to my blog!

Hi Brad, waiting for your call to help with my new blog. I also want to get the localism and listing router.

You big tease.....

I think the badges are cool.  Can't wait to get one and see my pic in the comment section.

Brad, I love the new changes! First we can add our pics and now these cool icons. I can't wait to log on to see what's new.

Hi Brad--

Thanks for the explanation.  I had figured out the smaller badges as they had tags when you rolled over them, but didn't know how I'd gotten the RM badge... 

Like Suzanne, I logged off last night and everything was "normal".  Then this morning--BOOM!!!  As mentioned above, us competitive types like anything that sets us apart.  Keep 'em coming!

I like the badges because they help remind me of certain people when their name doesn't "click" - i guess it's that old age thing creeping up on me!

tina in virginia

Hi Brad, I do not like the badges. They distract from the photos. If I ever get one I hope I would have a choice to remove it from my photo. Thanks...Doug

I love the badges Brad.  I saw the pictures showing up on the comments the other day, and I knew we would see your post soon with some explanation.  Good work

Don

This can be fun.

Nice touch.  I like seeing people's faces.  Makes the comments a little more personal. 

I am not sure about this badge thing.  I guess I have a hard time with change and there have been many during my limited time at the rain.

Tina

I would like to see a badge for 97,017 points.

There are so many changes; my head is spinning - but I think they add a "coolness" feature!

How about a "hide badge" option for people who don't want to see other people's badges? I like AR a lot but am not loving the badges.

Hmm, I have an outside blog, plus subscribe to the listing router, however, no avatar!  :(

John - the photos are part of the new AR rainmaker membership plan.  Many of them are founders, and some are new members with the plan.  The post I did just before this one will explain it all in more detail.

David - you're welcome.

Katerina - you have it all goin on sister!  Glad they meet your approval.  We're always open as you know to ideas, suggestions, and comment from members, you have always been great about that, thanks.  :-)

Debi - congrats on the new addition/member to your family, that's awesome and we'll do our best to save you time so you can spend your time with the new VIP member of your family.  The link should be good, but if you need more, just let me know. :-)

Jim Lee & Janet - not to worry, they are available and there's more to being here than just having these badges.  What you'll learn in time here is worth every second of it. 

Thanks for the update and information on what they are and how to get them.

i love the badges. Makes me feel part of something bigger. But what if all the badges don't show up. I pay for listing router and localism. Are they separate badges or one badge does it all?

Would like to weigh in with a vote to be able to remove the badges from the photo, and to add the ability to earn the photo via participation rather than via purchase. Say top in state, top in county, x number of points, or posts, etc.

Great ideas.  I have to start collecting them.  It's always changing here.

Every morning, I check to see what kind of new gizmo's ya'll have added for us to earn!  Thanks Brad.  All of you do a great job!

Mary

Brad...

As soon as I locate the rest of my tiny head I'll come back with my thoughts :)

TLW...ROAR!

I have to be honest here, I'm having a heck of a time keeping up with all these great comments, but so far I am still alive and able to type, so I'll keep trying to catch up to the "Headless TLW" and her last comment above mine....I'm coming TLW, I promise.  LOL~  :-)

I really like the badge program ! Thanks for doing that.

Becky - there will be badges available for you too, see Bob's comment above.  :-)

Kristina  - here to help you make that decision and which ones might help most if you need me.

MaryEllen - Maybe a certain number of featured posts would justify a badge, we'll add that idea to the list.

Brett - yes. :-)

Jodi - thanks, love what you contribute as well. 

Debbie - don't quit your day job, that's why were here, to help you grow that business. 

BarbaraJo - thanks for the "rockin" comment! 

Joe -  "I look forward to growing together with the future of activerain!"  We look forward to doing it with you as well my friend.  Thanks.

Brad, thanks for explaining everything. Now I need to get my outside blog. I have my blog linked to my website, but obviously that isn't the same thing as the outside blog.

I don't think TLW can reach me down here with that whip of hers.

Pretty nice!

Looks good, keep up the good work! 

Testing to see if my sponsorship of Localism has generated a badge!  Cool idea!

LOL @ Lane Bailey's soccer mom mini-van ~ too funny!

I agree with Broker Bryant's earlier comment. Badges should be awarded based on achievement and participation, not on what we spend. I also think the display of badges should be limited to our profile and our own blog. Having them on every comment seems a little cluttered, and I'm guessing it will be confusing to consumers.

I love the new badge idea very cool. Im excited to see mine when I write this comment and I like the teaser badge :) Great job guys at AR

Hi Brad

I love the pictures on the comment... I feel so out of it for now, but I know that you guys are the BEST.     I  do love the badges but it's hard to know what each one is for .. I wonder how I can get one.. I know I have to  work harder.... I'm so out of it.... I have a lot of catching up to do.....

Thanks for following me on Facebook....

I had to leave a comment just to see what my badge looked like!

I am diggin the badge....kinda cool looking....but it has cut off my head now because of it.

Your team is always working round the clock to make our community the best it can be. Thanks for all you do. Everyone in the Activerain community of bloggers are so supportive and helpful to one another. The badges are great but I do think they should be awarded on participation as opposed to what we spend. I have 10 blogs going already and could not see taking on another outside blog as well. I write articles for ezinarticles and synarticles. I am going on overload. I love reading Activerain blogs and searching answers to questions I have.

I'm flagging this for feature.

Very Cool Badges! It sort of reminds me of Cub Scouts!

Brad - aesthetically I think they look nice. I think it helps cement the whole "face with a name" thing here on AR. It will help members get to know one another better. Nice.

Hey Brad...I really like my badge. Thanks!

Hey Brad..Love the badges!  I like the idea of the badges on our name link, that will be WAY COOL

Hi Brad!  Please give Jeremy back his head....he needs it

Brad - Thanks for the info.  I hope to get an AR Ambassador badge some day!  :-)

what am I missing here?  The badges and the recent decision to charge people to blog on AR have both struck me as highly negative and a turn off.  Is the idea to shame members into spending money by not "awarding" badges?

Brad and the gang... You guys and gal are really on top of things.. Love the new badges and pictures.. Like others I want to know more about the Ambassador Badge. I also like the idea of the boarders on the pictures. Another idea would be to have a button showing our twitter, facebook, and other social sites we have... or is that getting to far pitched...

Keep up the great job.. looking forward to more new supirses in the rain.

Hi Brad, Very cool but  it does feel a bit like Boy's Scouts, I wonder if I still have my sash somewhere with all my merit badges on it, :-).

I hate it !!!!

The idea behind it is great, but badges ?????????? Please

Take a moment and think about people that wear badges in real life, do we really want this association?

Come on guys, you are more creative than this.How about nice and fancy raindrops? Or Sparkles, or Clouds or Thunder (now I am getting cred away)

Please go back into your thinktank for a moment and come up with something that fits AR and their active members better than BADGES

Honestly, I am getting goosebumps...............

I like the photo beside the comments... name/face reminders are good.

Badges... we don't need no stinking badges... :-)

At first when I saw mine, I thought I'd done something wrong, because I didn't see anyone elses. I was relieved when I started seeing more.

Brad -

Thanks - I guess I'll be looking for my Badge!

Automatic, yes - we don't have to do anything to create it?

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

I quess I better get busy I don't have any on mine.

I hereby arrest Anne Hensel with my badge for having a contrary opinion! (Just Kidding)

I have to turn off the comment notifications, but if you guys will work on getting the tag links back up and working, at least I would appreciate it. I know many blog readers like to click on tags to find related blog entries and right now they get a 404 error when they do. Check your stats and I'm sure you'll see a boatload of them.

Perhaps I was misunderstood:

The dropdown tag links work.

The tag links at the bottom of each message are the ones that are all messed up.

Thanks!

Hi -- I like the idea of the pics next to the comments -- helps put a face to things.  The badges -- well they are fine but kinda reminding me of being in school and competing for best grades and recognition.  And maybe that's not a bad thing.  Also good for Active Rain as Active Rain does a great job and is entitled to payment for services and the online recognition they provide all of us.

Thanks,
Sue and Robin
http://NC-Hendersonville.com

Brad - very cool. I saw the badges before I even saw any of the articles this evening - been on the run all day. No time to read all these comments but clearly alot of interest.

Jeff

Thanks Brad. It is all a little bit clearer now.

Hmmmm -- I guess I need to futher this "new thing" out!!  I posted a comment and expected my/or Robin's pic to be there, but alas, not SO!!  I think the pics are great (for me anyway) as they add a good diminsion to a comment -- kinda like looking at a person and starting to gain an impression of them??  Badges -- hummmmm.  Although I understand the reasoning why (I think) I'm not sooooo sure grown adults should need badges to extoll their worth.

Thanks,
Sue

http://NC-Hendersonville.com

Ahhhh -- I just went back and re-read Brads explanation of the pics and badges and now realize that in order for the picture to be there one MUST subscribe to at least one of the features offered.  Seems fair enough and I have no complaint.  Now I need to find out about the Listing Router campaign!

Sue
http://NC-Hendersonville.com

 It's a merit badge for hard work, and anyone who is interested can do the hardwork to obtain it!  It gives me something to look forward to.....Competition is healthy. I like it! 

Nice badges. OK badges. I mean these badges are just another badges:)

It will take me a little time to get used to all the changes.  I am sure in the end I will like them as has been the case with all of the previous changes.

thanks for the badge - I always knew I was special

Love the new badges - great to put a face with a name when I'm glancing through comments!

Brad...I was so pleased to see the photos appear and then the avatars.  You guys do keep us hopping on  AR....new upgrades and changes every week!  Now my goal is to get that 300,000 points!

I knew it ! Look at Benjamin's comment. That is what people do when you give them badges.

Now I am going to haveing nightmares about the new AR jail

I could take it or leave it, I'm sorta in the Broker Bryant camp.  It's nice to see the pic associated with the comment but that's about it.  Sorry I'm not more enthusiastic.  Pic should be smaller, right now it's distracting.

My 2cents.

I think it's a nice new prop for Active Rain.....will be looking forward to earning mine!

Thanks, Brad...I was wondering what the rainmaker badge that appeared on my pictures meant and if course, here YOU are explaining it...thanks again:-)  Are they permanent or can we lose them for any reason?

Thanks Brad, I was searching high and low yesterday and could not find any information about the Rainmaker badge I had on my profile.  Great idea, I love it!

Broker B - (and others who may have missed the first comment by Jon)  I knew there would be a difference of opinion as is always the case when we make a change in the rain, but I also openly requested members feedback so thanks for sharing that.  As Jon said and replied to your comment:

We will be adding more badges for point earners, so if you have an outstanding amount of points you can earn your badge that way - no cost.

Lastly, we will be adding a "hide badges" options in the settings area for members who don't want to have their badges displayed.

Bill G - a shrink?  Are you kidding me?  I need an assistant, any takers out there?  :-)

Jesse - thanks, not to "badger" you, but it was great getting to talk to you on the phone and finally meet.

Mott - see what happens when you're away for a few days?  I'm afraid to take a 2 week vacation... but after my last couple posts, I think I may need one.  lol~

Matt - too funny, I was just saying....   hahaha!!!  (maybe San Antonio for a week?)  wink

Elizabeth - I see it is a watermark already, I also know these guys can make changes on the fly so thanks for sharing your suggestion, it may be something that gets incorporated.

Christine - me too!  But I do like the photos and the connection they help create.

Kathie - very cool.

Tim - The AR World is everything!! Man that is a mouthful, and every bit of the truth.

Chris - thanks for the reminder to check my email... or dare I?  OMG!  Let's not and say I did.  lol~

Paul - there's always something next...

Team Carroll - yes, you have been stamped.  :-)

Joe Schmoe - we're all family and adults here, you don't have to logout to leave your comment or feedback.  You'll notice had you read this post that we welcomed your comments.  Had you also taken the time to read a couple comments, you would have seen that your comment was already addressed and on multiple occasions.  I'll shoot you an email as a response just in case you don't make it back to see this comment.  It's really ok to share your ideas and suggestions here, you don't have to try and hide.  Thx.

Victor - thanks for always taking the time to give such detailed and elaborate input.  I like the gold, silver and bronze frames in fact I noticed them the first time I went to the "New Featured Members" of the day link.  I had not seen those before.  Still trying to figure out the who what how and why on that one myself.

Benjamin - you are racking up the points on this post today...lol~  We are working and aware of the tags you mention.  It won't get fixed between your comments though, give our guys some time to address it.  The visual sample was great, an email or just a call in the future may work even better and faster..  :-)

Claude - you earned that one.  Nice!

Cristal - so does that mean I get the employee of the month customer service badge?  Jon, did you hear that?   An employee of the month badge???  It was great getting to talk to you the other day Cristal, always here to help if you need. 

Vickie - options are always nice right?  You'll have those options with your badges so you can exercise your preference and do with them what you will.  Love having choices, that's what makes AR so powerful.  IMHO.

Carole - looks like you're all there to me...  maybe you're seeing something I can't, let me know.

Connie - I like lots of these ideas including Mikes but we have to settle at some point on how this will be done.  Thanks for sharing and yes, you will have to wait on the Ambassador Badge post for more details about it.  I think you'll like it, but then again, I also know you can never please everybody as evidenced by this here post.  It certainly won't ever prevent us from trying to though.  :-)

Lori - hang it there, I think the points badges are coming soon.... along with some others...yours awaits you.

David - you may be right and for those who have a concern in that regard will be able to opt-out of displaying their badges, but that would also mean not showing their other badges that won't be service related, but effort related ie: points, featured, Ambassador etc.  It will really be up to each individual to make that choice.  Enjoy making those choices..    :-)

Kate - you are too cute and funny, but seriously, you need to call me so I can show you how to get your points for leaving your great comments like you do.  You are not logged into AR and that's why your points are not going up as fast as you may like.  # is on my profile page but may not be for long.. so call me.

Elizabeth - thanks for the pillow and blanket, I'll use those today for my afternoon nap.

In all fairness, I'm off to the email inbox for a while, will be back later this afternoon.... if possible.  lol~

Well, well, it takes us back to that old belly button thing.  Everybody has one.  Just like the opinions here.  My belly button,,,errr, I mean, my opinion...I like 'em.

Very nice, the pictures look great and the badges are a neat idea.  Lets those that support the community stand out.

Good morning, Brad.  I have a quick follow-up question for you about something that you mentioned in your February 16th posting (ActiveRain's NEW Membership Plan).  There, you mentioned that all existing pre-February 16 members would receive the special designation of being "ActiveRain Founder Accounts."  Is there any sort of badge that goes along with being an ActiveRain Founder Account?

Thanks!

Wow, never a dull moment around here lately. I mean, AS USUAL! Great idea, I think.

Fantastic!  I need to start doing listing router, but I don't have a personal website where people could register - does that matter?  I think it does at this point.  Only reason I have not done it yet...  I LOVE the badges idea!!!

I think they're pretty fun! I love getting new things :) Though I did read all of the other comments and I suppose their may be some time where kinks will be worked out. Thanks for the update though Brad! Keeping us informed and educated as usual!

Badges?!?  I don't even have a picture yet!  Geez.

I love the badges......but what happened to the "GOD" badge on your name????   You gotta put that back (rather than the AR tag).   I guess that is toooooo much of an AR joke.  But I do consider you an AR God.

Love the pictures.  I could do without the badges.  I can't remember what they are all for.

Ok what is the easiest badge to earn?  I will start there work my way up.  Thanks.

Brad - Not to add to the comments again or anything, but if you're ever down this way...just give me a call.

Brad, you and the team at AR are so kewl! Just asking everyone what they think is a great idea. I've breezed through a few and like some of the ideas shared. I also like the option of not showing the badges, but I kinda like seeing them to know who has an outside blog...I am one of those that is somewhat competitive, and I DO show my educational acronyms. I'm proud of what it took...and believe me, as a Realtor looking for a referral, I pay attention....and so do buyers and sellers. Whatever you decide, I'm on your side. ;-) 100% ;-)

Brad,my head is still missing it's top! Ack! Where did it go?

Hi Brad;

Thank you for the explanation, I am looking forward to many more badges. WOW to AR!

Jeremy - Just upload a picture like this for your Avatar. 

I gave you every badge they had (including the employee badge!)

NOTE: Do not try this - you will voted off the ActiveRain Island!  This was only a joke!

Hi Brad, As a longtime resident of Manhattan in my former life, my first thought re: the blue badges: subway token!

II had the same feelings as BB, and the same idea as Mike Muellers. Put them after our Link! When the opt out is available I'd like to see a choice as to which ones we opt out of and whether we want to opt out on our profile page or comment signature or both. Like the idea for featured Agent badge. How about a badge for group founders with members over 500?

What does the green exclamation point badge mean?

Thanks Brad! You must need a vacation!

I'm still waiting for the answer to Ann's question on if Dez gets to arrest anyone :)  There were some pretty funny comments in here, and some serious ones too.  Here's another observation...the rain drop is gone from all the Posters near the top, but came back at a certain point near the bottom ?

Oh, and Mike....cool picture for Jeremy, and we can always send Dez after them if they make their own badges LOL :)

Hey Brad,

Thank you for the info, now if I can just figure out how to manage my outside blog

I need to investigate the badges a bit more, but I do like that we are able to see the photo of the person commenting!

I need to investigate the badges a bit more, but I do like that we are able to see the photo of the person commenting!

Mike , you forgot the 6 new ones i created.

Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!

Lori - I'll try and call you now to help you out with that.  If you want to call me later, that's fine too.  :-)

Would somebody please roll this off the feature board?  It's Friday and I want to go fishing! LOL~

ActiveBrad is...

GONE FISHING!!  :-)

Makes me think about that Humphrey Bogart movie: "Badges! We don't need no stinking badges!

Hey Brad, trying to keep up with all this tech.  is there a group called: BADGES FOR DUMMIES!

Feeling left out?  Get a Weenie badge

Hi Brad,

I'm not really a fan ... I'm not sure that I see the point.  It's almost like some of the ABC designations that people use to imply knowledge but lack true substance.

Although I really enjoy the AR forum, It seems that each new release risks jumping the shark as more and more "pay for" services are offered.  In other words, it seems to be more and more "commercial" each day.

Best regards,
Mike

I want a shark badge and a weenie badge... 

Brad.. well, I can see that I am extremely late on this one.  Just have't had time to read many blogs in the last 5 days.  But this is great... and I loved Maureen's comment, right above me... lol  Hey, question... you chose all females for your examples....  hey, what's up with that????  lol

Okay, here I am ... late to the party AGAIN! And after scrolling around and trying to figure this thing out, I'm more confused that ever.

So ... in order to have ANY badge now we have to pay? Is that right? Am I reading this right? I thought I read that if you were a member before middle of February with at least one blog entry you at least had some sort of icon "badge." And how do you sponsor Localism? Yikes! I don't get it. (dense ... my brain is very dense and needs to be directly pointed!)

BTW ... as I type this comment, I don't see the comment box border or any of the little links to add an image, bold, itals, whatever .... weird.

We've made a few changes to the badges this morning, and I expect a few more to roll out in the next few weeks.

The current changes:

1. Pictures now show up for all commenters who have 10,000 points or more.

2. Point badges given out at 100,000 point increments, starting with 100k.

Expected changes coming soon:

1. Featured blogs badge for all members who have had a featured blog post.  When a user holds their cursor over the icon it will display the number of featured posts for that member.

2. Other merit badges to be announced as time goes on.

Bugs:

1. In Internet Explorer we've found a few display issues.  We will be fixing them shortly.

Wow, am away for 2 days and all this cool stuff is going on !!!  You guys rock !!!  Thanks for the update !

The bugs in IE have been getting worse as the day goes on.  Come on guys??? Do you know how many consumers only use IE because it comes preloaded on the their PC?

Hi Brad,

How about considering the activity level for a RainMaker Badge? Like how frequently someone logs in, makes omments etc.

I think I must have missed some important memo.  So many changes, in so little time ... it's hard to keep up.  The change I dislike the most, though, is that now, I'm getting copies of my own comments (on my own post) on my email, but I'm no longer getting emails about the comments from the 'visitors' who leave a message ....Is this a glitch or a permanent change?  Sort of doesn't make sense to me.  I also read somewhere that now everyone who 10,000 points or more gets their photo to show on the comments, but I'm not seeing that either ... IE bugs?  my bugs??? lack of sleep? :)

Hi Sylvie,

Thanks for alerting us to these bugs.  We are working on them right now and expect a fix to come down the pipe soon.

Brad,

You always have such good ideas and suggestions~I would love to customize my blog more ...but at least I get comments on it...I am still learning and working out the bugs and mistates that I make.  Would love for you to help me out on some things...

My outside blog link is http://www.laurahigginsrealestate.com/

Thanks

Wow- Alot of comments for a little badge. Great idea and keep the spirit of the networking up.

Bonner

Wow! 300 comments.  I came here to learn about badges and I am.  Thank you for the post and all the comments.

Has anyone at AR noticed that the State pull-down on the top is obstructed by our new AR seal of approval - I think that's the rainmaker badge.  There are some states which are no longer visible for consumers to click on.

Margaret, I noticed that too ... the 'badge' is way too big, and it gets in the way of 'pulling down'. It's also just too big (distracting).  But maybe size counts ...  :)

Great information.  I was wondering what all those things meant.  I love the photos!  It makes it much more personal!!

Now I see it.  Now that I read Sylvie's comment.  I did not understand what Margaret was saying, I thought it was limited to another browser.  I can't go to South Carolina, South Dakota or Tennessee I just go to Brad's page if I try to go to SC, SD, TN on this post.   It affects the channels pull-down too, but you can click on them, get to the consumer channels, even if you can not see the three behind the AR seal of approval (staff badge in Brad's case.)  Can't have a rainmaker badge or a staff badge where there is a pull down.  There are other places/ ways to get to those states though

Love the new badges. I think it's great that the Rain is constantly changing and evolving, thank you!

I really like the badges and this site overall. Great job to all of the AR people. thank you.

Envy is a powerful motivator : )

It's also one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Sorry. I couldn't resist :)

TLW...ROAR!

Very informative post about the new badges and what they mean.  I was excited to see my photo used as an example!!

Tammy - IE bugs are being worked on.  I know consumers use IE but I bet it won't always be that way!  lol~

Sue - I can help you with the Listing Router, just give me a ring next week and I'll explain it.

Jenny - not the intent at all, read thru the comments here...

Jason  - founder accts do have a rainmaker badge.  it's the rain drop you see in the right of the comments.

Laura - if you still need some help, get a hold of me next week and I'll help you out the best I can...   :-)

Maureen - you think our badges block your pull-downs, and you want a weenie badge?  That's funny, haha!! 

TLW - I think there's 8!

Sonya - thanks for letting me use you as a sample, it was totally arbitrary from members who left comments on my previous post.  I think Jeff Belonger got a little jealous though, sorry Jeff.  :-)

What about mine? I have an outside blog and I upgraded to an AR account.

Great innovation and another good way to spark competition among the Activerain members and keep things interesting.  

Brad,

     I am loving the badges.  So will there be any additional badges coming?

Joshua and Kathy - yes there will be more coming.  :-)

Brad - I'm away for a couple of days and look what happens!  All pandemonium breaks loose!  Last I commented, I didn't have a photo.  Today I do.  Were other changes made since you made this entry?  Sorry to hit you up for this info, but a sick kido always takes priority.

Thanks...Maryellen

Also, since I was active prior to 2/16/09, shouldn't I get a rain drop?  I'm still a little confused on that point.  Thanks again.

Wow you get a lot of comments,  it's hard to get through them all.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture and badge idea.  Although it would be very nice if we could earn them rather than pay for them.  I am still trying to get my feet wet with writing blog posts and becoming an active presence on here.  I have to say that I am really jealous of those who get their pictures and badges but just can't justify the additional expense to pay for it right now.  I guess if I just keep plugging along maybe I'll get some subscribers to my blog and it will make more sense to utilize the outside blog feature and then I too can get my picture and badges.  Here's to hoping.

The addition of the featured post badge is fun.  It's AMAZING how many features some folks have had!  Is the outside blog badge only for new outside blogs?  My localism badge showed up but outside blog never did.

Reading Marie's post above? I'll admit I have not read all of the bazillion comments above (you're a popular guy :~) but I haven't heard of paying for photos and badges, but have noticed not everyone's photo shows up.  I love seeing who's commenting!

Maryellen - if you ever leave AR for any significant amount of time ( a day or two) there will always be some changes or improvements. LOL~   You get the rainmaker badge when you participate in any of the AR services (listing router, Localism sponsorship, Outside ActiveBlogs etc.)  

Marie - your photo will appear when you hit 10,000 AR points, you don't pay for the point badge or the feature badge, those are earned and not bought.  No more hoping, just keep plugging along like you said.

Terri - the outside blog badge is for those using the ActiveBlogs now offered by AR.  They are not the FREE blogs that AR offers under the basic membership.  Also, not all badges are services paid for, many of them have to be earned including the photo in comments.

Thanks for the clarification.  Free is a very good price :~}

Brad!  OMG!  I am sooooo excited!!!!!   I can't wait!!  I am going to start right away!  I feel another blog post coming on.....

 How do you sponsor at least one Localism community? Please help! I am so very overwhelmed with all of this new stuff and active rain as a whole....I see the value...I just am frustrated. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

~Alisa

Alisa Stone Herring, CRS, GRI
Broker/Owner
Stone Real Estate Group LLC
850-596-2456 Cell
www.thebeachpeach.com

"The Georgia Peach that Sells the Beach"

Alisa - you would need to login to Localism just as you do on AR, then click on "sponsor community" and the screens will walk you through the rest.  Let me know if you need any help at all, I'd be happy to oblige. :-)

Hey there Brad, I am like Maryellen of KMG Mortgage Group in post #316 and 317. I don't have a Rainmaker icon or badge but I had posted prior to 2/16. Is that just a glitch for some people?

I love the addition of numbering the comments and I really like the photos. That will help get to "know" my fellow AR members better. I agree with many posters that the badges under the photo can be distracting. Also, it would be nice to see a separation of "AR Founders" from Rainmakers as it will help know who has been around at a glance without having to go to each individuals profile. Also, some people rack up points faster than others and it is kind of nice to know who has been around for a while and who is newer. Just my $.02.

Thanks!

Good morning, Brad. I'm hoping you can help with a problem that I'm experiencing with my profile picture that appears when I leave a comment. This problem only occurs with the picture that is displayed just to the left of any comment I leave to someone's blog posting.

Here is my issue. When I leave a comment, my profile picture gets cut off on both the left and right sides (cuts off the "1" and the "LC"). The top and bottom are fine. You can see what I'm talking about by looking at my picture just to the left of this comment.

I've tried resizing the picture and uploading different sizes, but every time I do I get the same result, no matter what size picture (pixel size) I use. I posted this question in various AR groups, but no one had an answer, and someone suggested posting my question here.

Can you help solve this mystery? Thank you.

Brad ~ I plan on looking into all the features that go along with the badges, but my question for now is in regard to the featured posts badge.  I have had one or possibly 2 featured posts.  They were some months back, so I'm not sure if the "featured posts" catagory is time-sensitive.  I'll try to do a search to see what the criteria is for that, but if there's any information you have to share for now it would be great to hear from you.

Thanks!

Susan

Can more than one person be a localism community sponsor? I would like a badge too...

Libby - Congrats on your Rainmaker status, not sure why that didn't get picked up by the rain Gods.  :-)

Jason - my friend, gonna have to change the photo, personally, I'd rather see your picture in place of the logo.  People connect better with a photo of a person better than they do a photo of an icon or image.  If you have to use the logo, you'll need to add the space around it like a border so it won't cut off the actual image.

Susan - When your post gets featured within a group, it is truly an honor.  The featured post badge is only for those posts that get featured on the ActiveRain.com main feature board or Blog roll.  The posts that get featured in groups are not affected and the badge does not apply.

Alfred - any member can sponsor a Localism community as long as it is available and not being sponsored by another AR member.  To see what is available, go to Localism.com, log in just as you would on AR, then click on the link "Sponsor a Community" and there will be a list of what areas are taken and which are pending or still available.

Brad: It would be great to have the badges clickable. Especially the Featured Posts badge, I would love the opportunity to read some of a fellow bloggers best work. 

Jill - I know we were talking about that, and the possibilities of more change with badges and other stuff on AR is inevitable. :-))

Brad - this post takes so long to load, I think I will just stay here awhile....

No really, I noticed that I have 99,990 points so I would like to earn my 100K little badge right here on the monster comment badge post.  I can't believe it took me a whole year to get 100K points, what a slacker, maybe I should write some posts once in awhile.  So, thanks, Brad!

I suppose I will have to leave now to get my badge.  :)

I'm shooting for the 100K badge.  Only 97,512 more points to go...Actually make that 97,502 after this comment!

YES sometime after 2:00 AM Virginia was awarded her 100K badge!!!!  Congratulations. Does it happen instantaneously? Or is there a lagtime?  

Why does this load so slow? Sheer number of comments? Isn't there a post on Brads blog with 600+ comments recently?  The post announcing "the changes"? I could sit here and watch Michael Barrow until he reaches the 10K mark but I am NOT going to wait for his 100K.

Virginia - I thought it was the amount of comments, our tech guys are aware of it and working on the speed issue of all blog posts loading slower.  Glad to hear it wasn't just mine.  On another note, Congrats on your 100K badge, taking a year or not, that's nothing to snicker at, you should be very proud too! :-)

Maureen - you have all the time in the world.  There's actually a post of mine with 827 comments, but until we speed things up a bit, I avoid it cause I don't have all the time in the world!!  LOL~  :-)) 

BTW - There may be a 20-30 minute lagtime in badges getting assigned...  I think...

Alright Brad, since you are the all knowing guy in the AR world, here's a question. How do you get a photo to appear in comments? And also, how do I get those badges???

My 100K badge appeared the second I submitted the qualifying comment above and hit submit, then refresh.  I am so vain, I just wanted to see my new badge.  I have a feeling that Michael Barrow will hit 100K in record time - I can see it in the cards. :)   (graphic below is taro)

Samantha - that's a great question, start by reading this post, then see comment #291 & #321, (the responses in yellow), then call me if you still don't understand how all this works.  Thanks.  :-))

Virginia - WOOHOO!!  Congrats, glad it was this post that you got your 100K badge, looking forward to your 200K and 300K with great anticipation!  Great job on a well deserved accomplishment.  :-)

Do you have to pay for the new Outside Blog service to get that badge?  I've had an Outside Blog with a custom web address since the service became available... but haven't signed up for the new paid service.

Also, does the Active Rainmaker badge only show up once the listing router billing cycle has passed?

Thanks for all of your helpful blog posts Brad!

I forgot something Brad... I don't have a raindrop badge and I've been a contributing member WAY BEFORE 2/16/09, so I should be a Founding Member.

Hi Cheryl - The badge for outside blogs does come from the paid blogs, not the free AR blogs.  I see your listing router badge is appearing so it looks like that question has been answered. (big smile) 

I'll go check your rainmaker status and get that corrected immediately.  Thanks Cheryl, have a great rest of the weekend. 

Kudos! I love the new rainmaker stamp. Thanks for all you do!

Brian Walker

www.walkercf.com

Awesome Idea...may I suggest a badge or some sort of recognition for those that specialize in the commercial space?

Thanks again,

Brian

Now I know how the badges work.  My profile had the badge for a couple of days and then it disappeared.  I think it was "awarded" to me on accident, then removed.

Hawaii Homes - I gave it back to you.  I think it was awarded to you and a bug got a hold of it.  Should be there now. :-)

Brian - what did you have in mind?

Was confused about the badges and now I am not.  Very easy and informative.

Brad..like the lid..where's the horse you rode in on? Get him pictured too.

Thanks Andrew - no horsies in this corral, only "RainMakers" that's why I need the hat!   lol~

I can't wait to get my first badge!

Hi Cindy - just don't blog while driving or the first badge you'll see will be from a CHP!  :-O  LOL~ 

I am so glad I found this post.  I am new to AR and I had no idea what all those symbols meant.  Thanks for the info : )

Hi Amy - glad you found this post too, if you need any help around the network or community, feel free to contact me anytime. Be happy to help any way I can.  Good luck and we'll see you around in the "rain!" :-)

Was not aware of these new Active Rain Badges, will have to check them out.