Oh no, not another gold star. Please, no more gold stars!
(You know the story of Bre'r Rabbit, don't you?)
In Active Rain, if you are NOT lucky, your post winds up as a featured post. You get lots of comments, and then you have to take the time to answer each one.
I suppose I could answer them all like a true Type E and say to everyone, "Thanks for the comment." But I don't think people will like that; this is not how to make friends on AR. We need to be answered, and I really need plenty of time to answer each person's comment in depth.
But it's like being caught in a briar patch - the more you do, the more stuck you are. It's messing up my time management. So please, no more gold stars while my business is so brisk.
For now, I need to learn how to write a really good post to get the information out there, but one that is not featured. In fact, I don't know why Broker Bryant hasn't caught on to this yet! He is so unlucky that his posts get a gold star every single time. Poor man...he has to answer hundreds of comments.
So the trick is to write a post that you are sure will not get a gold star. Write it good enough, but not so good that it gets featured, and then you won't have to worry about taking so much of your valuable time responding.
Ah ha! I think I have this AR blogging figured out. Now I'll have an advantage over all the other really good agents. Let them keep writing featured posts. Let them take time to answer comments (and get no points for it), and I'll have time to go list and sell houses. Yes!
Please, no more gold stars!
Baltimore, MD
BB, Now that sounds like a really good solution;but is there any possibility that I could afford her?
I don't know how much she charges. My only job in life is to make sure her debit card works whenever she uses it:)
Sarah, When opportunity knocks, we should not complain about the noise. I am going to read your post!
Randy, Some truth here? It is all true!! Thanks for your support!
George, If I have it so figured out...how come this just got ANOTHER gold star?
Thank You for the featured post! I am most grateful.
Really I am!
I had one featured post recently and I felt duty-bound to answer. Also, I wanted to, but, wow...it took a bit of time.
When you get your system down on good posts without the gold star, let me know!
Colleen, So who do I blame? This was fun to write and it has a bit of truth in it. I will be responding as well as going to the commenter's post. Thanks for your support and for all you do to make AR so wonderful.
You know I have to stay at home today anyway..waiting the arrival of Flat Caleb. I can't bear the thought of leaving him alone in the small mail box.
Margaret, You crack me up! As a "newbie" to gold stars I can now identify with you on the time it takes to do real comments. I can tell you it still beats the "empty canyon" I felt stuck in alone for so long. (LOL) - hey but as a member of your Type E's - we're up for the challenge right - bring it on! ;-) -now these are the kind of problems I want on a Monday morning with my Cherries! :-)
P.S. Here's a 2nd tip to consider....Localism Features don't generate nearly the same number of comments so on a busy week maybe that's the route to go - anybody else have thoughts or experiences on this?
Margaret, absolutely no need to respond to this comment - really, no need. :-)
Just wanted to say - May Gold Stars Rain on you anyways!!!
Johnnie, Duty bound to answer..what an honor to be able to have the opportunity!
We are all still figuring out the system. Thanks for stopping by.
Margaret,
I do agree... it is nice to get featured, but the commenting can get to be a bit much. Especially that first day. I will tell you what. In case you are having a busy day/week, you do not need to respond to this comment. I will understand. Good job on the feature. :)
Margaret....
You DO KNOW that everytime a person comments on your post or clicks it... you get points...right?
Take a look at you points summary...it will tell you everything.....
=-D
It's not MY fault either, Margaret! But since I'm here, you might as well take a few minutes away from Listing and Selling to respond to My comment!....
Margaret...
How does $5 per post sound to you?
I'll take the cash and buy something nice for "Jordynne Raine" :)
TLW...ROAR!
Margaret...
I'm a "Type E Mystic". Which type E are you?
TLW...ROAR!
Margaret...
It is very difficult to keep up with a runaway (featured) Blog Post isn't it? :)
TLW...ROAR!
Margaret...
Now see I have asked all questions so you have to respond. LOL.
TLW...ROAR!
Where's Margaret? If she doesn't respond to my comment I'm never commenting on her blog again! How rude! Some people are just tooooo busy for us common folk. Rich, I'm coming over to your post. At least you have the decent courtesy to aknowledge our existence:)
I feel so neglected. I think I "poohed" myself
Margaret,
You have a nice problem. I'd like to taste that feeling at least once. Maybe you could outsource the commenting part to someplace.
Okay I'm going for it...LOL.
Randy...Well hello there. Good to see you. I loved your top 10 post. Thank you for stopping by
Jason...I didn't have the time to stick around but a little 'poo' told me that TLW had my back :)
Karen...I was trying so hard NOT to get a star. Geez. I guess my point has been poohed on :)
Signed,
Margaret Rome's Temporary Assistant...TLW...ROAR!
Blog Boy (Broker Bryant)...I don't have to respond to that. It's not a question :)
Laurie...Yah. Sure. That's what they all say :)
Keith...Okay :)
Rich...Cha Ching. You just cost me one closing. You're reimbursing me right? SVW.
TLW...You're just annoying :)
Signed,
Margaret Rome's Temporary Assistant...TLW...ROAR!
Blog Boy (Broker Bryant)...Please don't poo on my pretty featured post :)
Esko...Can you really taste a feeling? Really? How cool is that?
Margaret...Where's my five bucks? :)
Signed,
Margaret Rome's Temporary Assistant...TLW...ROAR!
Margaret, see how this turned out? Those comments do take time, don't they? But I agree that it's the right thing to do. Very nice post.
Billie, was that $5 a special for Margaret only? Although I'm BROKE, I think I can swing a Lincoln every now and again. I don't get that many featureds! You're too funny!
Margaret - I guess you want gold stars like the ones you give out - recognition without all the comments.
TLW - does that make you an Auto-Responder?
For those who truly don't want a lot of comments - keep writing great posts for Localism.
I'm all over localims, Sharon. Mold on cheese - white on rice!
Thanks for helping while I went out selling a house!
Back to commenting, Please notice that I've paid TLW.
Cyndee, Maybe I will stick to Localism and not worry about too many comments. Thanks for stopping by.
Irina, I like that Raining gold stars!
Kaye, Well I thought I was up for the challenge but it got away from me.
Randy, Thanks
Jason, Never too busy to answer you!
Karen, It is you that makes me smile!
Alex,Huh? what shu talking 'bout ?
Bryant, What do you think of me giving TLW an extra $5 to stop? Never ever will I intentionally neglect you! Oh No...You "poohed" yourself? Maybe my temporary assisstant could change you!
Laurie, You are not taking the blame either?
Keith, It's too late, had to respond. I have lots of time. I thought Flat Caleb was coming today but he was not in my mail box. Hope he's not lost.
Rich, And you aren't taking the blame..hmmm so who was it?
Esko, As you can see, I tried to outsource, but it has not saved any time at all!
Maggie, About this time of day; I am not so sure this is the right thing to do. Thanks
Chris :) that was an easy one!
Sharon, As you know; success and recognition... without the work..does not happen! I like your "auto responder name for TLW. Good suggestion to write for localism. Chris has the right idea.
TLW I am a Type E mystic, like you!
TLW I loved my temporary assistant's comment. "TLW...You're just annoying :) " That one cracked me up!
Now I know what a runaway post feels like. Whew, I am caught up for the moment!! If I missed anyone, write your own response. Thanks to all for a fun post!!!
I have definitely been an
!
Margaret.....
Every time someone "clicks" and reads your post...or COMMENTS on it...Active Rain gives MORE points to you......
Click on your "points summary" on the left side of your "Home" page...it will show how much your posts have earned... memorize a COUPLE of them..and go back a day or two later when you see there are MORE comments on your posts... you SHOULD see they have given your posts MORE points......
Well... if you don't know this...I am posting a blog about it...I am sure LOTS of people do NOT know about this either.....
It's nice to be able to help others...and YES TLW has said it well...reciprocity is a GOOD thing!!
=-D
BB Sure I can sell a house and blog at the same time but only if I am on both sides.
...And when did you first notice her loss? :)
Alexander, This post has 200 points with 198 clicks. What am I missing?
Margaret -
Here's a star that doesn't elicit comments you have to answer.
Since you told me how to do this, it only fair that
You get the first one!
Go blog, sell houses, make your phone calls, and stay in touch with all the friends you've made. Hope you and your husband are both doing well!
Margaret...
This is hilarious. It really is. LOL. I have to bookmark this post just in case I need a good laugh one of these days.
Thanks for humoring me. But you should know that Blog Boy started it. All I did was finish it. LOL.
I won't do it anymore. Uh. Oh. My fingers were crossed :)
Should I ask you another question? I'm setting you up with that :)
TLW...She Really Is Annoying...LOL...ROAR!
TLW...
I'm not falling for that :)
And I think it does make you an auto responder. LOL.
Signed,
Billie Tutas...ROAR (Ha. Ha. Tricked you) SVW.
Sharon, What a pretty star! THanks for sharing your kindness!
TLW, You can ask me a question anytime! This was a fun post..and I do know that BB started it and boy, did you ever finish it!! This post took on a life of it's own...or maybe a life of your own. Either way it was fun.
I am so confused now. I saw that this got featured yesterday. It now shows up as a new feature, but there is no gold star now. hhhhmmmm.... inquiring minds want to know.
Allison, You were lucky ...not to have so many comments to post. LOL
Don, Thanks, I love that story.
Jeff, Maybe they took me literally Guess I was lucky, saved me from haveing to answer too many comments.( over 50 right now)
I figured it out..featured but without a gold star. Careful what you ask ....you may get it!
Lisa,
Ohhhh my, Thanks! You do know I adore Type E's . I have to go check..have you shared any Type E stories lately?
Are you a Type E??
Take the 10 question quiz Type E Personality! Why have an E group?
Margaret,
This is too funny! You beg for no gold star, don't get it, but still get 56 comments!
Lucky :)
Lucky, I had a gold star for awhile and then....I had no gold star. I am not imagining it. Here are some of the people ....Jeff and Colleen, and Rich and Laurie saw my gold star.
I even thanked them for my star. Oh well ...easy come...easy go!
Margaret,
That is really bizarre! Not that you had a gold star, because your posts usually deserve them!
Maybe the moderator who put it on decided that you needed a break from all these comments and smiled on you!
You had asked Alexander why your post had only 200 points with so many comments, etc. When we write the posts they are automatically given 200 points immediately if they meet the criteria of the program (50 word minimum, not marked as advertising, etc.). After a while, sometimes a day or two, after AR looks at it, they "rate" it based upon content, pictures, etc. and raise your score accordingly. After that, every time someone comments on your post, you get points like Alexander was stating. I have never noticed about points for clicks but for sure you get points for comments.
Take care,
Lucky :)
Chris,
(With my best country twang I would say)
Now that's funny right there, I don't care what anybody says, that's funny right there!
Lucky :)
Chris,
You're a riot!
Lucky :)
OK, I have figured out Active Rain again.
Just have Alexander write a post linking back to mine. Comments, CLICKS, Featured Posts and MORE POINTS!!
Oh yeah, thanks Lucky and Chris for not making me comment. LOL
Others comment on his post but on my blog..voila I get points and don't have to respond!
Now is that called outsourcing or delegating?.... or just really good time management Glad that I remembered this group: $100 or 100 minutes, Techy time savers!
Margaret, here's another star for you:)
OOPS! SORRY, MUST HAVE CLICKED ON THE WRONG PICTURE. THAT'S JORDYNNE RAINE. HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS. OK HERE'S YOUR STAR.
Margaret...
There she is our Little "Raine" star :)
She'll be six months old in a few weeks. She has just learned how to charm her Daddy :)
She looks her Mommy and her Grammy. How cool is that?
TLW...ROAR!
Margaret.....
You linked 2 times to my post...thanks!!
Sometimes the network takes a little time to update your increase in points, sis.....
yup, right off the bat you get 200 points for your post... but just wait a little.. those EXTRA points will show up...I promise....
I wanna "Play around" more, but my sense of self control will not let me....and I stay outta trouble that way too..
I will say this, Margaret....... Yer husband MUST be very proud of you!!! =-D
BB and TLW, your shining star is magnificent! Thanks for sharing Raine on the Rain!
Alexander, Not so sure that you are right about those comments = points.
Yep For sure and my goal is to always make Lee proud of me!!
Comments and clicks(ratings) = points......
Trust me, Marge......
=-D
The nice thing about being featured is the comments. They are insightful and I love reading them. Without the star, your blog, no matter how interesting will be sent to obscurity, a very lonely place.
Margaret...
This is even funnier the second time around. I think the moderators are playing games with you. LOL.
TLW...ROAR!
Margaret--I had a featured post that took up two days of time to give answers but I'm not complaining....just glad people are reading!! I have started to not check the "notify me" box when I leave comments on especially good posts...too many emails!
Margaret, for all your trouble you just won a trip to Branson Missouri - you need to enjoy that gold star! LOL
Wow - here this is featured again! This post of yours Margaret just keeps popping back up for some reason. BB said musical chairs - musical posts! Guess that's a new game of late. I didn't see the star that apparently disappeared the other day, but I am seeing this one, today, April 28th at 9:10am.
Weird.......must be Saturday!
Ann
Margaret,
This is the latest version of "Dancing with the Stars"!
Have you figured out who is your "dancing" partner yet?
Lucky :)
BB, Think we call it musical "stars".
Lenn, The comments have made this post take on a life of it's own. Your blogs, Lenn, are very well written and have a great deal of information and wisdom.
TLW, you are the queen of comments!! Did you get my phone call?... congratulating you on your 100,000 points. And you did it with such class!! Lots of comments, lots of caring while making others feel special. Somethings are better the second time around...
Teri, When opportunity knocks, let's not complain about the noise. Here is toooo many comments.
Lucky, Dancing partner will always be my Lee! On Active Rain, I will dance with all who comment.
Thanks Larry. Are you a member? If so you didn't sign in. If not, welcome to AR.
Thanks Kathy Kat..like that name!
Ann, I think I like this new game of musical posts,chairs or stars!
It is easier to write comments when they are spread out over time.
I know what I will be doing IF I ever decide to retire....yep plenty of time to read comments.
This is hysterical! Margaret, I feel for you....the sword cuts both ways when it comes to blogging I guess:)
HHHMMMM..I'm thinking I could offer my VA services to Top Producing Gold Star bloggers...I think I'm on to a new target market...thanks for the idea TLW! (nobody could comment as good as you)
If I tried for gold stars, I'd never get them.....I just type away and hit post....most times it doesn't work, but a few times it has......
Hi Margaret, I remember this was featured once and I read some of the comments and was going to come back to add my $.02, it was gone & I forgot about it. So now it is even funnier than before. Glad you got your star back. ;^D
OK, I'm comment number 93! Who's next?
Ann
Number ninety five!
oooppppsssss 101 ----- teamwork!
Ann
lol
LOL
(103) Giggiddy Giggiddy
WOW everyone, what a team. Never had a 100 comment post. Congratulations to me!!
Joan,Thank you, like the way you think.
Lizette, Congrats on getting out of commenting.
Laura,A VA just might be the answer.
Laurie Thank you times seven, I think I counted right.
Chris You did it! Thanks for the push.
Daniel, I'm not sure when the 20 minutes started so I called you instead. Nice talking with you.
Christy, Keep on posting.
Doreen, Appreciate your $.02
Ann, Bryant,Laurie,Chris and Ryan, You pushed me right over. Thanks to all.
Margaret, Woow, you did a great job :) congratz :)
Aurora, Thanks for the acolades..Oh.. you are not Aurora, you are Ray. Almost missed you! LOL
Dan, You will love having one of the Flat guys visit. Check out: Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants?
Laurie, Naw 100 a post is more than enough!
AMEN SISTER... people don't realize bloggers gotta work in the Rain.
Me
Craig, Work? Naw...this is fun. Thanks for stopping by!
Here is some fun stuff that has been keeping me busy.
Flat Caleb Gets High
Tiptoe Through .... with Caleb
Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants?
Flat Caleb Arrived in Baltimore
Margaret,
Sorry so lat but as you know i have been very busy here on A/RE as well as making a living in RE.Great post congrats to the star you didn't want!
Dena, Thanks for stopping by one of my favorite posts written almost a year ago.
The comments were so much fun! Agreed that our special phone calls are better than a gold star.
Just got a gold star
The Perfect Words to Make That Home Sell
.... having trouble responding to all the wonderful comments. Where are you TLW when I need you?
Margaret......don't worry about answering mine. ;-) I have written about and feel the SAME way!!! Gold stars take me days to respond to and to reciprocate. I have about decided NOT to reciprocate if the comments are in excess of 100 at a time....that will take me dayzzzzzzz....
Teri, Can you see me smiling? I love, love your sense of humor.
'Don't know why it is that I stumbled upon this blog now, but I feel your pain. For about 2 seconds, when I first see that gold star, I feel elation... and then I groan because I know my time management for the next few days just got slaughtered. When I did those military relocation posts, I sent an email begging NOT to be fatured... even disabled the comments... A little presumptious perhaps, but I had invested so much time preparing them - that was all I could spare.
Margaret: It was ALL my fault!
Margaret, No pain.....not even 2 seconds. This was one of my favorite posts and the comments took on a life of their own. One of the things I love about AR is the instant and sometimes overwhelming gratification. When opportunity "knocks" don't complain about the noise. BTW you can ask not to be featured.
Rich, And I love you for it!!
AR, please note:
I'LL TAKE THEM!!!
Mirela, I think they heard you! Thanks for stopping by.
Margaret, sigh....that must be a happy problem to have!
Frank and Sharon, This is a very happy problem to have. Got another star yesterday and there is no way I can get to everyone. This Real Estate business of listing, presenting contracts and going to settlements keeps getting in the way of my posting.
OMG. Margaret, this is sooooo funny! But so dead on...commenting in response to all of the comments on a featured blog is sooo time consuming....Debe in Charlotte wrote a post "Why We Post And Dash!" back in the middle of sprring last year that addresses this very conundrum...
William James, I will have to read Debe's post. Thanks for stopping by.
No comment..... just a gift !!!
This is a fantastic blog, I should send this to my buddies at active rain and have them feature it! =P
Oh and I expect two responses back. One for this comment, and one for the comment above!
Jeff, Is one phone call as good as two comments?
Great speaking with you this evening.
HEHEHE! Yes it sure does! Same to you!