809,258
We are all just hanging out at the water cooler, shooting the breeze and getting to know each other. -Kasey
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Ryan Huggins - Thousan...
Thousand Oaks, CA
-
Jennifer Mackay
Panama City, FL
-
Tony and Suzanne Marri...
Scottsdale, AZ
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dennis Swartz
Columbus, OH
-
Dianne Goode
Raleigh, NC
-
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Austin, TX
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
-
JoAnn Moore
Georgetown, DE
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
921,504
Kris,
What you may be unaware of is there exists here a true community. What that means is Active Rain is something bigger than any of us individually. We ALL, and that includes Kris, want to be part of something bigger that the individual, a part of a community.
For most of us, there are few real estate questions we have not lived personally and answered endless times.
Let me ask, "Is not your question an example of that for which you complain?"
If you ask a real estate question, you WILL get responses.
In the meantime don't let cynicism and paranoia convince you the shadows in the forest are evil.
No one is trolling for links or points or any other vain purpose.
Just spending time and sharing.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dennis Swartz
Columbus, OH
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
5,772,575
Kasey & John Boles said it perfectly. There is more to life than real estate. It is how you get to know people. A
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dennis Swartz
Columbus, OH
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Dianne Goode
Raleigh, NC
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
711,852
It is fun to "get to know" people via this forum.
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dennis Swartz
Columbus, OH
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
2,178,703
A little overdramatized but your point is well taken. There are many good real estate related questions here but there is also a certain amount of "getting to know each other" questions too. It's kind of a "family" thing.
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dennis Swartz
Columbus, OH
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Dianne Goode
Raleigh, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
2,781,173
Children at play....
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dianne Goode
Raleigh, NC
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Carol Williams
Wenatchee, WA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
-
Eve Alexander
Tampa, FL
5,049,477
Interactions, getting to know each other, some learning, and having some fun!
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
4,883,260
I wish we knew.
By the way what is your favorite color, and do you prefer mustard or mayo on you burger?
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Kasey & John Boles
Boise, ID
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Carpinteria, CA
5,230,130
Some interesting questions - some great answers! It helps us get to know one another better and some of the questions are a nice break away from real estate too!
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
JoAnn Moore
Georgetown, DE
6,393,609
Have not seen a color or dinner question in over a year.
But for the most part there is no purpose to this Q&A other than entertainment and water cooler conversation.
If you take it too seriously you are bound to be disappointed.
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Dennis Swartz
Columbus, OH
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Kasey & John Boles
Boise, ID
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
216,904
Most will note the nature of their questions ("Just for Fun", etc.) so that one may choose to look at those questions or ignore them. As others mentioned, sometimes it is to get to know others. Throw something on the wall and see if it sticks! Then we all give opinions on our views. Great way to brainstorm and unleash some stress, perhaps?
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
1,052,211
Some of them are rather ridiculous, true.
The worst are the ones that are totally redundant and have been asked and answered so many times.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
7,836,431
This is a points driven section. Members receive points for answering 20 questions each day and there is no requirement for quality.
Yes, this is busyness rather than business.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Wayne Zuhl
Cranford, NJ
-
Brenda Mayette
Glenville, NY
-
Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
8,119
I'm not complaining I was actually asking a questions I didn't know the answer to. I enjoy reading the questions and answers, I was just wondering if the deeper purpose was to get backlinks to their personal websites.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
-
Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
1,844,301
They are all real estate related so not sure of your question. Sorry you were offended by levity.
I think you need to ask another question regarding real estate.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
911,338
I learned to use scroll thanks to facebook. Not my depatment to worry about what others do or don't do.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
290,969
I think for fellow AR'ers who know each other in some way, it's 'light' entertainment on a slow, crazy-busy, or difficult day Kris Swierz! It's fun to share, and get to know others, who we may or may not have the opportunity to meet. Relationships are formed, and even though there is alot of business knowledge and expertise shared, it does show our personalities, too!
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
3,416,038
The Q and A section is for fun just the same as it is a place to ask a question, get help or offer help. I enjoy it just the way it is
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
2,684,109
Bob Stewart came through here with a broom recently, sweeping out the mundane questions. Maybe it's time to do it again.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
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Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
-
Wayne Zuhl
Cranford, NJ
1,466,207
Kris Swierz I believe the purpose is passing our knowledge to those interested and a little camaraderie among our peers. I'm not aware of any back links to websites.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Allie Angeloni
Oro Valley, AZ
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
4,319,419
Kris Swierz - Kasey & John Boles knows well why we are here!
(And once in a while, we get what we need here in ActiveRain.)
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Kasey & John Boles
Boise, ID
2,390,630
It's just plan old making friends and getting to know each other... it could also be writers block.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
5,005,659
Kasey & John Boles has the right answer.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
3,587,960
Kris I don't think it's for back links on Q & A. And yes sometimes there are just plain silly questions.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
1,543,833
Getting to know each other: having fun, unwinding, venting and learning.
Scoring Points is a factor too.
Read what you want, ignore what you choose.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
5,217,098
A chance to get to know one another is a relaxed forum and get anwers to puzzling questions!
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Pete Xavier
Pacific Palisades, CA
1,076,551
This is the water cooler of AR. People trying to get their points, but I'd be happy to see this forum disappear from the site completely.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
-
Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
5,104,931
I don't think anyone is looking for links back to a website by responding to a question. But we get to know each other better with the give and take from all kinds of questions.
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
1,622,432
that is a good question, Kris:) Are you new in the Rain?
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
3,988,007
This section has migrated to much more than real estate questions. It may not be what the staff intended, but it has happened none the less.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
3,986,258
I thinkit is just a good place to communicate on a more personal level
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
444,170
I don't think there is any hidden agenda. Someone throws out a conversation starter and ppl who are moved to answer do so. I pass by most of the questions till one piques my interest and I stop to comment. No judgement since there's no obligation either.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
953,717
I don't think any of my non real estate banter has got me any real estate deals! LOL
Found this funny!
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
1,390,113
There are occassionally people who do provide backlinks to their own blogs/websites, but that's relatively rare. Far more common to see people answering questions just to get points without adding value, in my humble opinion.
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Charlotte, NC
4,572,439
I don't know the original purpose of this section because I "found" it when there was a contest/challenge a number of years ago and I visit here for multiple reasons. I wouldn't have "met" some members if it weren't for the Q&A section.
It's typically a quick stop to learn something, gather insight, have fun and oh yeah --- pick up some points. As far as any annoyances --- I will usually avoid or fine tune my snarkiness depending on the situation or my mood.
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
1,502,998
Points. Points for asking, points for answering.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
5,583,278
different strokes .... some do it for the points....
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
1,157,785
This is the Q&A section. The posts are on member blogs and they can post about whatever is appropriate for their blog.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
989,652
Kasey & John Boles has an excellent answer - it's what we do!
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
1,617,916
3,071,489
599,274
Kris Swierz prepare for the onslaught!
There are two issues with the Q&A section:
1. Points. We get points for asking/answering. Some of us are trying to earn 500,000 points and get a free account so we maximize our participation to ensure 9,000 points a month or more.
2. Design. The Q&A section is not like a traditional message board or forum designed to share information or make it easy to find information. Everything is jumbled together like a big stew and you have to dig through the celery and carrots to find a piece of meat.
I think activerain would serve the members and the public far better if this were run like a normal message board. Send a suggestion to support and maybe enough of us can convince them to upgrade!
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
4,800,082
1,726,096
As Kasey & John Boles wrote. Call it a 'respite from the daily battle'
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
213,263
I like the variation and opinions part of this-even if its not always real estate....its one of the few ways to interact with other similar people.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
4,936,716
I try to keep my post retaled in Q & A to real estate.
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
544,014
If you're asking about regular blog posts and not Q&A posts, they are probably hyperlocal posts and posts to illustrate that the Realtor is a well-rounded member of the community. Most blog posts are written to target potential clients and not fellow agents in Activerain.
5,868,565