Very rarely does a truly original thought enter my brain. My best “ideas”, in fact, are borrowed. I use the word “borrowed” rather than “stolen” because it is a much safer approach. Call it my version of catch and release. If an idea flops, I can cut bait and return it to the rightful owner with a “your idea is the Suxxor” note pinned to its proverbial gill.
SOMETHING BORROWED
So in this spirit of sharing, we are going to try incorporating into the San Diego Home Blog what Greg Swann at the Bloodhound described as his Insanely Great Idea. Actually, he has a new Insanely Great Idea every five minutes, but this one in particular caught my attention. The concept is simple: Turn the blog into a community.
We love the fact that we have many readers who comment on our posts and that we have many, many more who watch our goings-on from an anonymous safe haven. But absent well honed psychic powers, I am certain we do not always speak to the topics that are most relevant to our local readers. The result is that the dialogue can be far too one-sided. By allowing our readers the ability to initiate discussion, we just might find ourselves having more actual conversations and fewer of our own ideas presented in lecture format.
WHAT’S OURS IS YOURS
A few weeks ago, I quietly slipped a “Registration” option into the sidebar (at the bottom, under the Administration heading). A few hearty souls have ventured there and indeed registered, but I suspect that having taken this first step, they weren’t quite sure for what they had actually registered.
Here is what registration gets you. You will be emailed a password, at which point you will be anointed Contributor status our blog. You may subsequently submit your own articles for posting. Of course, we want the posts to be somewhat on topic (local or national real estate, community general interest), and we want your articles to be constructive. To ensure this, all posts submitted by contributors will be moderated and will require approval.
TAKING THE VOWS (QUALITY CONTROL)
In other words, posts titled “This Blog Bites Big Time” will likely be deleted. You’ve been forewarned. And, for illustration purposes, I offer the following examples of appropriate versus inappropriate writing styles. These, by the way, are all real comments made here in the past.
Appropriate remarks:
- Again, great post – funny and right on target. You’re the best.
- Steve: Awesome, you are a wise man. It’s obvious why you have a successful business.
- You have had a fantastic year in RE blogging. I enjoy reading you both here and Kris on Bloodhound. You’ve set the bar very high, not only for Scripps Ranch, but nationally.
Alrighty. You don’t have to be that gratuitous. Just write with clarity, and you are in.
Inappropriate remarks:
- … since it doesn’t take much to be a Realtor, your pool is full of monkeys.
- Look like weasels? Nah…you (Real Estate Clerks) act like weasels.
- … yawn! Why did I read this high school journal entry?
This is not to say that you can’t be a bit contrarian; we just ask that you do it with a little more panache.
So, write about national trends, local issues, or your upcoming block party. We don’t care, as long as it is informative, entertaining, and important to you. I will be updating the sidebar shortly to make our new open forum policy a little more apparent. In the meantime, if you have something interesting to say and can write with flair, we hope you join us. Our door’s ajar.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kris Berg is Co-Owner and Designated Broker of San Diego Castles Realty. If not-so static web sites are your thing, go here at once where you will find loads of real estate information including homes for sale, market trends, floor plans and more. Kris's hobbies include fencing and spot welding. She likes kittens. 
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I officially invite Rich (from Florida) to kick-off the first “community” post by describing his experience in moving from San Diego to Florida and now trying to return. I have heard his hilarious (no pressure there, Rich) description of life in Florida (hurricanes, frogs, alligators, insects, etc.) and the contrast from SoCal, along with the current challenges of selling a home there and getting back here. Rich, you’re up!!
Hi there,
I really like your site here (love the idea of a community blog), so I’ve gone ahead and included a link to it on mine, Bought A House . I’m just getting started, but I think my content and my design might merit a link back from your site here. I sure hope so, I’d love to be a part of your expansive link list. At least stop by and leave a comment some time. Thanks!
BAH,
Consider it done! Your blog promises to be interesting reading. I hope you will be sharing the whole story of your process – This would be not only good for other buyers but for the agents out there to hear a consumer’s honest perspective of the process.
Thanks Kris,
I promise not to spare you of any of the gruesome details. I am trying to write it as a part informational/part biography…trying to teach others while telling my own story. So far so good I think, but I’m always open for criticism,
Hey! – 2 0f those 3 examples were mine! I am making a difference!!
My favorite blog is still from Jim the Realtor in the north county. Very astute fella!
http://www.bubbleinfo.com/journal/
yum….panache for breakfast. Now that I look at them, I think all 3 are mine.
Sorry, Eric. Only the first two are yours. I almost gave you credit (well-deserved, I might add), but didn’t want to play favorites. You are borderline mean, but always entertaining! BTW, does Jim pay for the plugs?
Steve ~
)
You are indeed a very wise man for having married Kris
(how was that?)
Let me add a few more to our target list as guest “contributors” – Nelson (if that’s really your name), J-Lo and Lisa, our ace buyer agents and Rebecca; all currently trolling anonymously. Time to come out into the sunshine kids.
Phil – Thank you. No further comments necessary.
Kris,
You wanted a horror story… and I’ve got a few. Oh wait, you said funny… darn!
SaL – Horror stories are perfectly acceptable (and they hopefully don’t involve me).
Steve are you calling me out officially now????? Oh boy, you may be sorry…….
I believe he has indeed thrown down the gauntlet – Let him have it Lisa. I think your first post should have something to do with Denny’s, the age requirements for their “Seniors Menu” and how Steve will soon qualify.
Hey Steve; I guess the pressure is on me to produce. I’ll have to register and get back to you. Right now I have to go out and pressure wash all the love bugs off our cars before the paint gets eaten off. Just one of the many perks of May in Florida.
Rich – We look forward to your unique perspective of the cost/benefit comparison, local real estate customs, etc. between San Diego and wherever the hell you are in Florida (south of Tampa Bay?).
Kris – Your are now offically on “ignore”.
Lisa – Still waiting on that award winning post. But no pressure here.