REALTORS and Stagers alike have presented homes that have family rooms with a
WALL OF WINDOWS.
If you think of real estate blog writing as you sitting in this room of windows with everyone in your audience, consumer and members together viewing in, it is revealing.
Coming from someone who has now written several hundred blog articles (crossing 400 recently) it has been very enlightening to me. Sure, we impart knowledge or our thoughts of the day to our readers. But the gem of the benefit I have found are the insightful comments that come back from the collective wisdom of whom is reading what you write. You will have your supporters, your detractors, short comments and profound wisdom that borders on Ah hah moments at times. Some things will be funny, raunchy, heart warming, or even silly. Maybe you will just get a smiley face or a frown. Maybe this blog produced a quizzical look or a disappointed face from someone because you deviated from your normal style. You will meet steady readers who will turn into your friends and also drive by readers.
Like an effect I see in football or baseball coaching where they get too much credit or too much blame, you may get praised too greatly with it going to your fat head, or get blasted too severely when you don't deserve it. Check your ego at the door. You are not as good as they say you are or as bad as they say either. Comments from Good Post, to You Suck, all need to be taken in balance. You make the call!
Above all for me, at least, I have liked the sharing and the connection of the hearts. Someone might say, yes that happened to my daughter just like your situation. Or, great inspirational song. I like that one too. Or, that brightened my day. Or, I could really use that tool with my buyers on my website. Someone might point out that, Wow, you really leave thoughtful comments. From that day on, I guarantee your comments will be even MORE thoughtful. It ALL is about learning from the sharing.
So the point to my Window of Walls view of blog writing is like the Secret Sauce in the Big Mac: The secret to blogging is the "comments." Comment on theirs often. Digest carefully what others are telling you.
The eyes of the world are upon you. And they are helping you to be a BETTER YOU!!!
And I really like your photo because it's the same color as my family room. :)
"Comments from Good Post, to You Suck, all need to be taken in balance. You make the call!"
Gary ~ Good points! I haven't gotten a "you suck" though, so I'm hoping I'm doing okay. : )
Elizabeth: You must have a VERY nice family room. I love the shine on the floors.
Kathy: I was taking a little license with the range of comments for illustration purposes. The extremely strong disagreements you might find in the Rant or Political Opinions blogs. Most others here are pretty gentle and professional with their remarks. They may disagree without being disagreeable.
Gary, I hardly doubt anybody ever told you that you suck! You are one of a handful who inspire me!
Carol: Thanks for your kind words. Active Rain, unlike many mainstream blogs, does have a higher level of professionalism to it, although one member was booted off because the debate got to heated and vicious from what I hear. But we all can learn so much if we just keep "listening" to others. I learn from you all the time.
Gary, Very nice and so true, but what do you mean that I'm not as good as they tell me I am!?!
Marc: Well, in your case you ARE as good as they tell you. You are the exception. Believe on. YOU DA MAN!! ; )
Gary, I do hope you checked your ego at the "door" -- congratulations on all your posts! They are ALL wonderful and always hit a nerve with me. Now I'm going back to my usual mean comments that I leave for people :)
Carole: Oh my. I mustn't have been reading your thoughts on those Rants and Political posts. I did some commenting along the way and I don't know if it was political, some wacky jokes, or religion posts, but you can get people hot and bothered real fast. Too bad we can't all just disagree at times without being disagreeable. But you stoke some people's passions and away they go on you. If they get to the level of verbal personal attacks it's really bad. I know in Feng Shui you had some dish it out your way, but I think you've grown with HUGE respect from this crowd now. I've always thought the world of you. My typing fingers I think have cramped up after I crossed 400. On to 500! : )
Gary: I've had a few of my posts hijacked and have seen a few punches thrown as far as comments... not at me, thank goodness. I think I would cry if someone told me "you suck". But, you can look back on some of my political posts to see that it was pretty serious stuff. (I love politics and regret that I am reluctant to write many here lately.)
I can see the people staring at me through those windows and almost got stage struck as I was reading your words... "with everyone in your audience, consumer and members together viewing in, it is revealing". I never really thought of it that way. (I hope I'm fully clothed when that happens. We may have some "peeping Toms" lurking around. Some may be from NAR... ha!)
It makes me think that I need to take a little more time in writing my posts because you really never know who's peeping in and disecting your very soul.
Great post!
Howdy Gary
We all need to take things like comments from others, with a grain of salt.
Back when I first joined the AR community, I fell in the trap of some that bait ya in to geting in to a hot debate with them. Then I told myself this is how they get their fun, at the expense of others. So what I did, was to started useing only kind words when commenting with them. So they just gave up on the idea of hot debates with me.
Reading this post was very enjoyable.
Jan: I think political posts are great discussion but they do divide us. I don't know why that is other than it generates strong feelings. I have always been someone to "enjoy" a different opinion. It doesn't make you a "bad" person. It's the variety that makes us all so interesting. I hope NAR or the peeping Toms are not gandering in, just a bunch of good folk. Words are powerful, and we do have to be careful with them.
Dale: Kind words will definitely defuse them, and their fire just slowly ebbs out from them. Good strategy on your part! I'm glad you enjoyed reading this one. Just my thought that popped in the ol' noggin today.
Gary - You are a visionary, a diplomat, the deflector of all EVIL!! (lol) - no, great post as usual. You are really a wise person and it seems you have made it a priority in your life to be "real". What a joy you are here.
Gary, you are a fine blogger and a fine commenter....or should that be comment maker....or one who makes comments? Whatever....you are never guilty of any of the bad stuff. : )
Gary, I wish I could get my homes with wood floors and big windows to SHINE like the ones in this picture do (does.)
I like your analogy. Going one step further, we need to remember that we won't always see everyone who is watching us through the windows, but they are there.
Gary, I'm pretty sure I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are simply amazing. 400 blog posts and they are all so refreshing and original! Thanks for being you!
Gary...
Nice post. I find detractors to be few and far between, although I enjoy honest differences of opinions. Wall of windows, l Like that!
Gary - Thank you for sharing you wisdom with us and I totally agree we should comment and read the comments we get from others, we are here to learn form each other, as well as make contacts, referrals, etc. Have fun with the next 100...
Gary - I rarely read a post without reading all of the comments. Many times I've thought 'I wish I'd said that!'
It surprises me everytime my thoughts on the blog, agreement or disagreement perhaps, are completely different after reading the comments. I admit that every once in awhile, I go back and forth as I read.
Comments add so much to a post - the conversation begins with the 1st comment.
Gary, you've become quite the prolific blogger with 400 or so posts! It's true what you say..it's about learning from the sharing.
GARY, Wow 400 post. I'm doing good to do 2 or 3 a week. I have not got a "you suck" yet but have had some articles where someone totally disagreed with my point of view. That's what makes the world go round; isn't it?
Alyce: Deflector of evil? I like that one. Do I get to wear a cape? You come up with great insight for me. That is what I talk about in enjoying reading comments.
Barbara: I keep trying to say non-fluff stuff in comments, like you always do as well. Meaningful things. Something you can sink your teeth into.
Sondra: Terrific point about those looking in the window that we don't know about. If I usually read a post from someone I like to comment just cause I stopped by unless I just don't have anything to say about it.
Colleen: I've noticed that too that rarely do I do a copy and paste ANYTHING. I just keep writing what's in my head. Thanks if some of it rings a bell with you. Your stuff is always GREAT!
Richard: Yes, honest difference of opinion should be ok, and we shouldn't feel hurt about it. We all come from different backgrounds so that should happen.
Terrie: It's always fun for me. Keep writing and comment where you find topics that interest you and we will all learn from you.
Virginia: That is how a blog is different than just reading an article in a magazine or online. It IS conversational. That's what makes it so fascinating.
Linda: The learning from sharing is what makes it so much fun for me. I learn so much from you.
Marchel: I think it's good when they totally disagree with you. Doesn't make you wrong. Maybe they just haven't come round to your way of thinking or maybe never will. But we all learn a little bit more each day from each other.
Gary,
I am relatively new myself and this is one of the first post of yours that I have read. I can tel that you have a reputation that will vary depending upon whose opinion I am reading. The comments intrigue me and I will certainly be visiting your blog to learn more and to form my own opinion. Thank you for a stimulating blog.
Derenda: Welcome and join in with your blogging and commenting. If you have insomnia, you can go back and read all my 400 blogs, as they are all there ; ) But seriously, find writers you like and read them and comment. I'll start reading you too.
Derenda - Subscribe to Gary's blog! He always has something for everybody and is definitely a man with a reputation.
Hi Gary...If all those Rainers are looking in the windows I am so glad I am invisible.
How do you many to write so many posts and do such a really good job with all of them? Plus you read people's posts before commenting on them.
By the way, do you work (elsewhere)???
Kathleen
Hi Gary, I much prefer open windows...letting in the light or the darkness of the storm! Maybe that's why I like blogging. I certainly like reading yours! Later in the rain~Deb
Virginia: A reputation? I didn't know word got out. I thought I took down all my Wanted Posters at the Post office. My secret is out ; ) YOU are too nice.
Kathleen: You are very visible and I read as much of your material as I can find. Actually I have three jobs, but that is a story for another post. I try to do a lot of multi tasking in between all that work. I am a very mobile person and am wired to be on the go so I connect whenever I can.
Deb: That's a good way to look at windows, letting in the light. With regard to all our readers, they "enlighten" us! Very good.
Gary - "You Suck"? Like THAT comment has ever appeared on one of your posts! I have learned recently that I needed to elicit more feedback from all y'all (how's that for Southern?). I learn a lot from what the comments say - it always offers a different point of view.
Good Morning Gary! The comments left on a blog are apart of the beauty of the story that began and they are the continuation of the story that goes on. When looking into the window with a clear view, often times you can see a reflection coming right back at you and the beem of sunlight coming in definitely warms the heart and keeps one energized. Have a beautiful day and thank you for warming our hearts in the rain!
Gary, I am honored and humbled to hear that from you. Thank you very much. You are one of the more prolific writers on this site.
Gary, I have read most of your blogs, and they have never let me down. You have a unique way of writing and making us feel like we are there in this room with you. Thanks for sharing.
You have contributed so much to Active Rain so far Gary, congrats on passing 400 posts (wow!). I enjoy reading others' comments because I learn as much from them as I do from the posts! You are so genuine in all of your posts and comments. Thanks Gary!!
Hi Gary, Great post. You always have the most inspirational messages to share! =) Thanks!
Leesa: All right, I was illustrating my point with that phrase. I like that you are committing to reading your comments and thinking about them. There are gems in there and those Ah hah moments. I cherish all your thoughts. You are very insightful.
Julie: Hello beautiful friend. I wish I would see you around more often. Feel free to comment any time because like many others I treasure your words. Yours are always so touching and full of light and grace.
Marc: Thanks, I like very much reading your material as well.
Valerie: I try to write like it is just you and me in the room. I'm glad it comes across that way. Keep stopping by, because I love to hear from you.
Patricia: I know more about Colorado Springs because of you. I am glad some of what I say is meaningful your way as well. We all just keep sharing with each other.
Abby: I'll keep trying for you. Thank you for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
Gary - Astute & Articulate, as is becoming the norm every time I come by your blog. The fact is, I've subscribed to many folks because of their comments alone. Heck, I've written many posts where the comments are better than the actual post! My favorite posts are those that incite a thread that is informative, educational, funny, and a bit awe-inspiring. Wonderful post and it certainly helps that you don't suck;-)
Gary - I really like this analogy. Really makes one think about what is really going on in our blogs and comments. Some blogs are more transparent than others, aren't they?
Congratulations on your achieving 400+ posts. Another milestone done well!
Jeff
Gary, I appreciate your post - I learn a lot from the comments section.. Thanks for the Staging analogy... I am a newbie but I know that you are a blessing to this AR community.. God bless,
Gary, well said. We need to take the good with the bad and keep doing what we are passionate about. I know your post was in regard to blogging/commenting, but this can also be applied to most, if not all, areas of life. Keep persevering no matter what others think of you, whether good or bad.
Christopher, zolve.com
Jason: I like what you say about the comments being better than the post. I enjoy that too. It's that collective wisdom thing where you say, "I wish I said that."
Jeff: It's tough with that transparency. You want to be yourself, but with public posts how much about yourself is enough? I just enjoy writing, that's how my number of posts climbed so high. You do great with your area and I really like your localvideos.
Cheryl: Thanks. I appreciate ALL Stagers. You guys don't get near the credit as you deserve. Don't feel like a newbie. None of us really are. We just find each other whenever we do. Just blog your thoughts and comment where and when you feel appropriate.
Christopher: You have hit my main theme I harp on all the time. BE YOURSELF!! Who else are you going to be. And NEVER keep comparing yourself to others. It is so pointless.
Gary, another lovely post. It's funny, because I just go a client who told me she chose me because of the way I commented on others blogs. You never know who is reading and comments can mean so much!
Holy Moly Batman!! I'm #40 and it's only 12:49 PM here! Great post as always. You know you alwasy make me smile. It's very strange that I am very slow to believe praise at times and way too quick to accept criticism. I guess that's human nature.
Most of the time while blogging, I have a particuler person in mind that I am talking to. Be it potential clients or other realtors. It's good to keep in mind it is not just your target audience that's reading.
Diane: That comment about you never know who is reading the main blog or the comments is a scarey thought to me. I definitely view myself as professional and try to select words carefully. But you have your fun side, and might say something flip now and then. You'll eventually tick someone off. But I think I read somewhere that 20% of the people you could never please no matter what you say. You can't go around trying to please people. I'm glad Diane your shining character came through with how you commented for that client. I can tell a lot about a person from their words.
Susan: Hey Catwoman! What happens to me is I jot off a blog and then it gets one of those Star thingys wherever they come from and then the comments flood into my email box. I agree Holy Moly. I ALWAYS look forward to YOUR thoughts. You are so tuned into feelings and have great insight and wisdom. I'll keep praising you till you believe me and help you deflect the criticism of you that is usually not warranted.
Kathy: My down home style is like me just focusing on YOU. It may be that many are looking through the glass windows but I feel very informal and I am just talking to YOU. My target audience is Members and Consumers.
Good thoughts! "input" does help us to grow, and it's great to get feedback. thank you!
Li
Li Read, RE/MAX Salt Spring, B.C., Canada
liread33@gmail.com
Gary - nice feature post!! I cannot imagine anyone ever saying anything negative about your posts. I always find them inspirational and reflective - and I do agree that comments must be taken in balance!!
I agree. Nothing worse that writing something and getting absolutely no comment.
Gary,
Wow, over 400 posts! I've done 3...and I agonized over each of them. You are quite the inspiration! Love the analogy with the windows too. Thanks! Amy Salisbury
Li: I feel like one of those funny robots in a sci-fi flick. More input please?? : ) Hey, I'm a slow learner!!
Sharon: I ALWAYS appreciate your thoughts and perspective on things.
Ross: Yep, one way Web journal, vs. the tremendous interaction of a blog.
Earleen: When you get no comments it is mystifying. Did no one read it or no one care? Hard to figure out.
Amy: It gets easier with the blogs the more you write. Keep writing!! Practice, practice, practice. When it is hard you are in writer's cramp mode. That's EDIT-WRITE. You need to reverse that and WRITE-EDIT. Be free flowing almost like on a whiteboard. Then go back and polish it.
Very well done! I like the reminder to "check your ego at the door". You are right, we are not as great as some praise would indicate and we are not as poor as some criticism would lead us to believe. Rather, our true self lies somewhere in the middle.
Hi Gary, Congrats on this featured post! I know you have commented on a few of my posts and left some really nice comments, I might add!! I look to the left of my blog page and notice that I am not subscribed to your blog. No worries, I fixed that!! I like your style :o)
Enjoy your night,
Gary: P.S., Congratulations on the "featured post" and the 400 posts. This wasn't featured when I made the comment and I forgot to congratulate you on your 400. Great job.
Gary, congrats on being featured and thanks for the perspective. Good advice.
OK, Gary! You are one of those bloggers who could never, not in a million year, ever get a "you suck" comment! Reading your posts is one of the high points of my day! So blog on!
I really like this article.
It reminds me of the guy who wrote "The Last Lecture". One of his great insights was that people give you feedback, both good and bad, because they care about you in some way and want you to improve. He said you should be very concerned when people stop giving you any type of feedback. That usually means that they have given up on you or think that you are a lost cause.
Hi Gary...the comments are usually very revealing...defenses are usually down!(congrats on the feature)
Gary: You know that I totally agree that making comments and responding to the comments made to you are extremely important elements on AR. You are always supportive in your comments to me and I am one of your Rain-friends who always wants to be supportive of your posts. Congrats on the gold star feature! :)
I think you are the "King" of blogging, you must be really organized to get all of these great posts together, and submitted.
Gary,
Congratulations on this Featured post. Wow, 400 blogs that is truly spectacular! You are amazing. Do you ever sleep, writing like you do?
I do agree and even though I am a Newbie at all of this in comparison to you, it is inspirational, encouraging and sometimes thought provoking to read what others are sharing with you. I have also received some great insights on some ideas for some upcoming biogs I will do. You are a master at all of this. I appreciate reading your insights. (BTW, I like the graphics and pictures that you use. It makes it so much more fun!)
It is so good to learn from one another. I have really enjoyed the community and realizing that I have quite a few experiences to share with others. I was a little intimated at first on writing, but I am actualy starting to enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would. It also is helping my public speaking opportunities as I am wrriting more and more. We each have something to contribute. We all have something unique and can sometimes share something that we have been challenged or frustrated in knowing how to handle situations and or people. Thanks again for your insights!
Have a Colorful Day!
Tori Lynn: It is good to be humble, as you say we lie somewhere in between our worst and our best self.
Yvette: Thanks for signing up, I'll keep reading what's over at your place!
Jan: Thank you on both accounts. None of us can figure out that featured stuff. It just happens.
Victor: It was just one of my thoughts for the day, and I'm glad you came by.
Pat: Blog on I will for you.
Tim: I love that last lecture series from Carnegie Mellon. Here's the full length link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
Joan: Most people with their comments are very honest and refreshing.
Jan: I am indeed a Rain-friend of yours. You ALWAYS inspire me.
Cindy: I try to be organized in coming up with a post but they just form in my head and come out. Yours are wonderful too with great photos.
Irene: I am glad I found your area of the world cause you have so much to share. Don't think of yourself as a newbie. Just keep writing and sharing and asking questions. I try to have fun with the graphics you are right.
I think life has become a wall of windows of sorts. With blogs and the internet, it's living in front of the public.
Christy: You are right in terms of privacy, there is a feeling that you are just living but EVERYONE is looking in on you.
I agree Gary. I learn so much from the comments. There is always another side and opinion I had not considered.
Gary, thanks for the honest and inspirational post. I'm still in the learning mode on blogging and your words of wisdom are most helpful. Mike
Hi Gary - This was a very interesting post. With the visual photo, the post and the point appeared very tranparent. But I found the true nugget, the focus on the comments, to be somehwat hidden in the middle. It made me think. Thank you.
We are all trying to get more eyes to look at our blogs, etc. and I enjoyed your comparing a blog to a window. What you write is what people see, and that defines your reputation.
Regards,
Mark
Mark's All About Real Estate Blog
Great points here Gary. I commented over a year before I wrote my first post. Still a bit shy-but love the information and feel blessed by the inspiration and positive attitude of so many members blogs. I am amazed at how many friends have found me on this site across the US. Comments and Posts do matter!! It is a reflection of who we are at all times.
Thinking of everyone looking in at me through a wall of windows. Very intimidating. I'm quite shy. Not even sure I want to comment. Oops! Already did!
Gary: Nice message and a lovely picture. That is a lovely family room. Is it from one of your listings?
Nice picture but informative post.
Earn Extra Income: Access Broker Price Opinion Companies(Free)
Wow another featured post with billions and billions of comments....Do you ever get a feeling, an sense of which post will garner large, large responses? Or is it a surprise? At any rate its nice to acknowledge the responses...You're right they motivate and inspire and keep you keeping on! :-)
Wayne: The comments are another mind talking with yours.
Mike: You'll do fine. Just keep writing.
Margaret: The "comments" are the secret. You found it.
Mark: By choosing words carefully we will always have a good reputation.
Cathy: It does give you exposure. Feel brave and write and comment.
Joetta: Don't be shy ... go for it!!
Chris Ann: The picture I just found cause it had the big windows and the shiny floor and I thought it drew the attention I was trying to make.
Gary: Thanks.
Liz: I am absolutely clueless as to the featured post part. It just happens. If you ever figure out any correlation of what you do and then it gets a star let me know. Reading comments gives so much extra information to you.
Gary, You're right: Check your ego at the door... Completely agree with you. It is also right that Comments are the most interesting part of blooging... They always surprises you and reveal an other point of you, you may not even thought about it. Ans also right about the number of comments... It is what you ignite in others mind.
CONGRATULATION on the 400 posts!
Arina: I have found, as you probably have, great insight into listening to some comments. Not all of them of course, but when you sift through them there are some Ah hah moments. You have given me many. Thanks on the 400. I didn't realize it was getting up there that high till I looked at it one day.
I've just begun my understanding of what commenting brings. I've made a committment to read and comment, and so far, I'm learning quite a bit, not to mention finding a few things that have had me rolling on the floor in laughter.
Hope: You are so right. Even here lately with some of my blogs that got hijacked by the jokesters the fun and games goes back and forth. The string of comments is interesting. Some similar thoughts but often a few real golden nuggets in there. Have fun with it and you will learn a lot. I promise you.
Great photo & great blog. I think of blogging as opening my windows to let people see my personality and opinions :)
Cheers,
Cindy
You are right. Blogging makes you transparent to the world. It's a good thing and when I meet clients who call in off of my blog, it accelerates the relationship because they already have a good idea of who I am. It's changed my business for the better.
Cindy: Our blog is our way to express what we feel like sharing. Open the windows and let everyone know about you. Thanks for taking time to share yourself with me.
Sandra: I'm so glad it has changed your business for the better. Letting other know about you ahead of time gets more of that ideal client for you because they know your style.