Wait. That's not it. No discussion of sex, politics or religion with strangers. At least that's what my mother always told me.
I have been a member of AR for some time now. I have never seen so many posts about politics before. This is not to say that there haven't been many relevant and important political issues since I have been a member. I just haven't seen the volume of posts that have popped up in the last few weeks. Nothing like an election season to get the armchair politicos going.
My distress with this is twofold. First, the issues that are facing us are serious but why jump on the band wagon when it's too late, when all that's left is mud slinging, name calling and assignment of blame. Point the finger at the conservatives, the leftists, the bunny huggers and the power brokers but look in the mirror first. The blame rests with us, the apathetic voters. The blame, my friends, rests with those who say "I don't vote because (fill in the blank)". Blame the guy at the end of the bar (or on their computer keyboard) spouting opinions on issues they haven't bothered to research. When was the last time you voted in a non presidential election? Do you know who your state representative is? Your Congressman? Your Senator? Do you know how to contact them? Shame on anyone who is dissatisfied with the direction this country is going in and hasn't made their voices heard by the people entrusted to speak for them. Shame on anyone who voiced an opinion here on a social networking site but hasn't shared that opinion with their elected officials. The issues are serious but this is not the correct place to get your voice heard.
The second thing that bothers me about all of these political blogs is that AR is a REAL ESTATE networking site. I assume that most of us are here for BUSINESS purposes. There has been a lot of nastiness posted, photos of one candidate shining another's shoes, video clips of interviews with scathing commentary about villages and their idiots. Okay, I admit it. Some of this does make me laugh, heck I'm human and as opinionated as they come but this election season will only last another few weeks. What you post on here can last for a very long time. You may be a wonderful Realtor, loan officer, inspector, stagger etc. but you may be alienating potential clients and referral sources by so voraciously expounding on your political views. Even if someone agrees with your view point they may be turned off by the lack of professionalism.
If you are a truly committed advocate of your political beliefs I commend you. If you walk the walk and talk the talk you have already delt with the consequences, positive and negative and are prepared for the backlash that can come from strongly voicing beliefs that may not be shared with others. If you have posted about a bill or issue that you have researched and effects our business, good for you. However, if you are an armchair politico who only comes out every four years, I suggest you take my mother's advice.
No sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. No, that's not it. No discussions of sex, politics or religion with strangers, especially ones you want to do business with.
I agree with you wholeheartedly; I generally ignore the political posts because most of them are, well, boring, for the reasons you mention. But for the most part, the posts are of no real value and I'm really tired of having to sort through the fluff to get to anything worthwhile these days!
GREAT POST! Some people just don't get it..... they think because they don't make a political post PUBLIC then it's alright! What about offending other real estate professionals. I prefer not to alienate my fellow Active Rainers by discussing politics on the blog. There is a time and place for everything. Part of the reason I am here is to build a network of business referrals..... if I insult the candidate of another member why would I expect them to send me a referral. I think all of this negative political posting and insults detracts from the Active Rain Community. It has nothing to do with free speech.... it just makes good business practice to be careful who you may offend in a business forum.
"Even if someone agrees with your view point they may be turned off by the lack of professionalism."
How is it that so many miss this unmistakable truth? Business is hard earned these days and it seems logical that we would remain as appealing as possible to every potential cient - regardless of political bent. But some just can't keep their traps shut it seems.
This is the first election in a long while where I was not working on one campaign or another. In many ways I miss the connection. you remind me not to let another one get away.
Mwa!
I am okay with political posts. I am not into politics but I don't mind reading them every so often.
No discussions of sex? Well, there go half my comments.
As far as being involve, I believe I have that covered. I vote in every election, know my state representatives, governor, congressman and senator. I have spoken with them all at one time or another.
I'm not into limiting what other post about. I just don't care. I have made comments on a few of the posts asking exactly what do they do besides post about it. Never really get an answer. To each their own.
Now, off to find a sex post. : -)
Hi My Sandra :) Why not write one of your own??? ;-)
Hi beth :)
Hi My Jen - roflmao - I guess I'm just waiting to find some good pics.
Hi Beth
Susan- Thanks for stopping in! When I started writing this post the whole dashboard was political posts. It's not that I don't approve of OT blogs but it's getting out of hand...
Thomas- I don't believe in burning bridges and I feel that the negativity is certainly doing that for some of our AR compatriots. Thank you for the comment!
Jenn- This is the first election in 20 years I haven't volunteered in. And for no good reason. Maybe next one we'll be part of the same constituency...
Chuck- I LOVE politics. Heck I've studied Political Science and Economics. I actually enjoy most of the posts it's just the lack of thought that worries me.
Sandra- Sex posts are for FRIDAY, you know that!!!!!!!! As far as being involved, that's one of the reasons I like you so much. I'm not implying that people shouldn't post about what they want to (I'm the girl who posts about large alcohol intake), I just think that in the heat of the moment people forget that this too shall pass and what they write now may leave a longer legacy than they intended.
Hi Jen
Hi Sandra
Nicely done. I have been guilty of the political post. At this point, for that I am truly ashamed.
What are the repercussions?
I couldn't agree more. What is great about AR is the diversity of its members, but there is a time and place for everything.
Beth - Read that comment quick, thought you said "Sex is for Friday" lol...That would make for a long week. : )
I read the political posts for their humor. I never realized there were so many political expects on active rain.
Beth - The narrow-minded partisian bias frustrates me. As you know, I love politics as well and plan to get much more involved... at the LOCAL level. There is probably little doubt that some of the posts are turning away business from the respective blogger... right/wrong/ or indifferent. Viva Gus Hall;-)
Hmmm..... Suppose I should remain silent but I've never been good about biting my tongue. Since I'm a bit time warped in the 70's I'd say Sex, Drugs and Rock-n-Roll make up the majority of interesting topics I would be most inclined to read.
I vote in every election and cannot understand why the general public never seems concerned about the sad direction this country has taken over the last 20 years. I for one am sick of supporting an out of control government filled with fat on every level.
Looking forward to Friday's post with those cute little shorts! ( call if you need instructions for adding photos to your blog! )
Geary- It's not the political posts per se that bother me, it's the trolling and nastiness that does. Take that crap to a forum designed for politics not real estate. As for the repercussions, I'll deal with you when I get home.
Kathy- That's exactly what I was trying to say. The time and place just don't seem appropriate to me!
Sandra- Sex is for any day that ends in "y"... :-)
Sardipants- Gus Hall is dead. Really. Stop listening to Geary about these things.
Dan Dan- Since I was born in the 70's I am most likely a by-product of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.
Any time you want to write about those topics I'll be all ears!
I am eternally incensed about the general public's lack of interest in trying to make a difference.
Beth,
This network takes on an entirely different light as a member of the Public. I enjoyed writing my share of buffonry and parodies, whether in posts or comments. Under the warm mitten-chewed blanket of Freedom of Speech.
We have many freedoms. Perhaps there is an appropriate time and place. Please excuse me while I go get my back waxed over the deep fryer at Fisch's Big Boy.
Congrats on that little gold thingy. Adroitly "penned" and seasoned with an intelligent mix of mild outrage and prescient introspection.
Beth ... the comments are cracking me up ... quite colorful!
Good blogging there! I, too, am weary of all the soap box toppers. I enjoy an occasional well-written blog which challenges me to look deeper into politics, but exit quickly out of those blogs that are tunnel vision focused on kissing the backside of one politician. I agree that politics play a big role in how our markets are affected, therefore, we need to be somewhat involved in them. However, like you said in your blog, our most effective way of letting our voices be heard is by starting on the grass roots level with our very own representatives.
Yay! You just got featured!!!! I knew it was in you :)) Congrats!!
Saw the photo yesterday about shoe-shining and was appalled. Even though it was members only, people fail to think about all the members who are consumers lurking in the background.
Ack. I hate all those posts that get so ugly.
Well, said. I'm suprised that people would voice such private issues on activerain.
I think the country is very polarized. I think the overbundance of 24 hour news makes it even worse.
Beth - Congratulations on the gold star! See all you have to do is talk about sex. lol
Hi My Jen
Hi Beth,
I could not have said it any better. I do not come to Active Rain to read about Politics. I hear enough sad stories at Credit Restoration Consultants all day long. I come to AR for education and even some light hearted humor. I do not understand why people take so much time from their day to debate politics. One thing I've always learned and sworn by in business is do not discuss SEX, RELIGION or POLITICS. Who knows if a potential customer is reading this and I loose a client due to my political views. Lets stick to basics and help each other prosper and learn. Thanks for having the guts to say what you think.I have done so privately on some of the blogs and have had my head chewed off.
Happy Thursday!!
Lori Isaacson
I do not understand why someone would post something that is derogatory or could even be viewed as derogatory. This is a public forum for the world to see. I do not have a problem with posting actual event that have happened as they are factual, however the name calling and lack of human respect is unprofessional and unnecessary.
Hippo- I'm sure your buffonry was always well thought out. Free speach, absolutely! Just think about the ramifications before you open your mouth. As I said, if you walk the walk, good!
How is it out there with the great unwashed Public? Do they all need their backs waxed like you? Wait, don't answer that. Hey, I like shiny gold thingies. Could I have some of yours since you're not using them?
Pippa- We're a colorful group. You should check us out late on Fridays...
Celina- You're a gal after my own heart. Grass roots is really where the change you want has to start.
Jen- ;-) Scott is seething...
Poster w/o name- all the members who are consumers lurking in the background. Excellent point!
John- 24/7news fed to us by partisan stations certainly does not help.
Sandra- I though AR and SEX in the same headline was sure to get me a gold star... :-)
Lori- I probably like polictics more than most but I just have seen so many things posted that seem counterproductive to the whole point of AR, which is networking. Don't worry about having your head chewed off, happens to me all the time.
Rebecca- Exactly!
Ya know...I'm ok with all of it except no Rock N' Roll...now whom did that ever hurt? LOL Even my grandma liked rock n' roll! LOL Great post, Beth...and I agree. I'm nervous enough about my own political beliefs, reading about everyone else's in such a blatant manner, out there in black and white...makes me nervous for people about what kind of backlash they might suffer because of it. So if you're going to post your beliefs (on anything other than rock n' roll) be sure you'll be just as devoted to them 5 - 10 years from now, because that might just be when they come back to bite you.
So, who are ya voting for?
j/k
I am surprised at the number of clients who start the conversations.
I went to a very cool meeting last night about the elections. It really made me think about things a lot.
What scared me the most is that a year and a half the presidential election runs and in that year and a half how few people follow the candidates. Yet, how fewer still follow what our politicians are doing in all that time. So much attention is wasted on seeing who is "winning" etc etc that no one is even paying attention to our current president or any of the other politicians. It is an obvious distraction and it does serve a purpose. Creating a furvor over who is running for president while the rest of them run the country into the ground. Then once the election takes place who will be still watching? Who will be taking notes and telling everyone what they are doing? Who will be watching until the next election?
I dont mean this in a derogatory way but the things that people are so focused on in this election are all the wrong things to be focused on. There is a lot more in this world than your favorite candidate. Focus on politics but dont be so focused you become blind.
Mary- I too am surprised. It seems self defeating.
Christine- Okay. You win :-) we can post about rock and roll! You are absolutely right about the 5-10 years from now issue. I guess that was my point. I know many people who are committed avocates about their beliefs, they live and die by the sword so to speak. I have nothing but the highest regard for them. It's the casual, every day kind of person who should be very careful about what they say since it might end up (gasp) costing them money they may not have wanted to spend.
Tom- Why I'll be votin' for the much maligned and very dead Gus Hall.
Shane- the POTUS is only one person, it's the rest of them that bear watcching. It's such a shame that the voters of this country only seem to be involved once every four years.
I don't like political blogs either. I wish we'd stick to real estate. But I don't mind a little rock n roll.
Beth - great warning. I wish we discussed the prosperity in Real Estate, new tools, new services, etc. But- the whole industry and economy depend on politics today. Realtors who used to be too politically correct are the same confused citizens as our clients are. The most interesting election with the least available good choice - that's where we are. And - everyone is speculating on outcome of American election today. I am visiting Europe now - no difference, the same talk. Among politicians, among businessmen, among Real Estate professionals. The difference is - we still have a choice and privilege to vote.
Aloha Beth,
I agree there has been a lot of "chatter" lately concerning politics and the financial crisis, much of it is down right hateful. The media has been basically stoking fear and uncertainty without providing any real information and congress is a finger pointing mess and it's starting to get nasty.
This is a Real Estate social network but it is also a social network that includes many interests albeit related to but not all about Real Estate. Most people when at work talk about things that are unrelated to work, it's human nature. You have raised some excellent points about personal conduct and professionalism, but this is AR not AIG. Unless you plan to censor people outright, suggesting to them about how they should edit their speech and blogs to reflect a more perfect AR is wishful thinking.
With the current financial crisis and many if not all Real Estate Professionals being directly affected by it, it would seem unrealistic to expect everyone to maintain professional decorum in the light of such difficult times.
We are all in this together and the USS United States is listing 70 degrees and the limited supply of lifeboats are federally reserved for bankers only. Directing people to the poop deck so that they may hear the band play on is your prerogative but whether anyone will listen is another story.
Svetlana- I agree that politics effects everyone. If the posts that I had read had been well thought out, well researched opinions aimed at discussing the current issues I would not have written this post. We are all concerned about how this effects us.Thank goodness we do have the right and privilege to vote and make a difference.
Barbara- Nothing wrong with a little rock 'n' roll.
Kimo- there has been a lot of "chatter" lately concerning politics and the financial crisis, much of it is down right hateful. You made my point with your opening sentence. I certainly have no hope of censoring anyone for a more perfect AR. You seem to have missed my entire point. I welcome well thought out discussions. There have been a number of them and I have participated in several. I fail to see how pointing out that posting an inflamatory political picture, blogging an email you received without the most basic research (www.snopes.com) and then fighting with your peers about it is perhaps not the best business strategy can be equated to Directing people to the poop deck so that they may hear the band play on. Of course you are entitled to your opinion as am I. Personally, I would only want to do business with professionals who can maintain their decorum under all circumstances.
Hey Beth can we agree to disagree. I don't mind the politics as long as it's not personal or nonsense as you said, (village and what not) but I find it interesting how people feel. You can say a lot about yourself by blogging. I was taught in sociology that you can tell a lot about a person by their choice of words, like when every other word is a curse word, then you pretty much know that person probably is not too bright and has low self esteem etc. I so I hang on how people blog and try to get a clue as to what they are about and their background. Anyway that thought and a nickel still wouldn't buy a donut.
Might as well chill. It's going to happen. It's (politics) is in the air.
You'll see Christmas talk at Christmas.
You'll see patriotic talk on the 4th of July.
Many ActiveRain members persist in treating this real estate network like a social network.
This will pass.
Charles- That's actually a very good point. You can learn a lot about people from their comments and posts. I am always open to another point of view!
Lenn- Can we talk about bunnies around Easter?? I'll try to chill... I'm just not very good at it :-0
Beth, Lenn is my twin at the hip, I was going to say basically the same thing, we see posts for holidays starting the week before, we are all thinking about the elections. I actually don't mind them if they are not nasty. You should be on Twitter, wow, I've even stopped following folks because they are so angry.
AR is a self-described "social network" so by that description off topic posts are ok. Of course there is a place for OT posts and political posts for the most part seem to be posted in their correct categories. Admitedly some people get carried away but a lot of the posts are actually informing and in light of the current crisis our country is in, I respect people who are taking the time to write them.
I understand your argument and that's why I keep my personal stuff out of my own posts but I am curious as to why people find political post unprofessional yet have no problem talking about drinking or sex? Soesn't the same reasoning apply? From a business point of view, I would rather hear who somebody is voting or not voting for than about their weekend drunken sexcapade. Maybe this is not as juicy but it certainly is more professional.
Michelle
Beth - I've been contemplating writing a similar post. Thank you for saving me the effort. At one point yesterday almost1/2 of the posts on the blogroll were political in nature. While several were Members Only, I wondered how a consumer would feel if they stumbled upon AR looking for info. I personally like politics. However, I strongly dislike rhetoric, talking points, and lies. Way too many posts simply regurgitate this garbage. I refuse to refer any client to someone who demonstrates the inability to think for themselves.
Beth~ I find it amazing how many post about politics and want their voices heard. I have my own opinions about who needs to win, but I wouldn't dare get into posting and ranting about it too much in the Rain! Talk about alienating yourself.........
Hi Beth, I think that most of us would tolerate some political posts if the select few didn't make it their mission to dump so much " Hatespeak " onto this forum. So much of it was totally false and hateful and yet there they were trying to smear and foment. Hopefully they will stop or at least take it to the politics only forum. Looking forward to the debate - starts in about 35 minutes.
I agree -- Why would one let their political views run potential business away with what may not be a clients/customers point of view! Never understood that!! Great Post!
JE
Beth as a "niche" wholesale lender I'd think you'd have a bit more compassion for those that choose to pursue their own "niche". :^)
Some business owners proudly display a religious symbol in their advertising, others tout themselves as the "condo king" or "blah blah" sub division expert. Why is a political "niche" so wrong?
Would you list your estate on acreage with the Condo King? Or your home with the next town's local expert? Probably not, but what if they also happened to think the way you do politically?
We all do business with those that we know and like.
I googled "republican Realtor" Here's what I found on the first page: http://activerain.com/blogsview/620796/Walmart-says-vote-Republican
"democrat Realtor"
http://activerain.com/blogsview/397637/Texas-Primary-May-Decide
While these two agents may not be Political "niche" agents, the exposure sure can't hurt.
There's room for a vast variety of thoughts and ideas here on AR. It's not an exclusive country club for high society members. I mean come on, we let lenders in here don't we? :^)
Aloha Beth,
No, Beth I think I got your point quite clearly. I don't think I made my point very well. You are beating the professionalism drum and asking that AR members to consider carefully what they write and to stay to the real estate theme of Active Rain, which I agree with wholeheartedly.
What I'm saying is this: in tumultuous times, people do and say irrational things, that's human nature. All the mincing of words and choleric accusations are not what I like to read either but complaining about fearful behaviors of others while suggesting that it's bad business practice seems pointless to me in this situation considering the issues at hand.
Many people are struggling to stay gainfully employed in an industry that's on the verge of coming to a standstill. I'm agreeing with you that professionalism is very important in times like this, because panic is deadly. But the poop deck comment was suggesting that professionalism and keeping topical guidelines is moot to many. Sorry, I didn't elaborate clearly.
While I agree it can be skating on thin ice to voice political opinions in what is ultimately a public post, we do get to know our clients very well in many instances. I have no problem posting political views here and have ALWAYS voted and cared about elections since I was legally able to do so years ago. I would rather alienate the potential client now than do it six months into the expense of a listing or buyer agreement when somehow they find out that I don't approve of their sex or rock and roll, due to my political leanings. I prefer to be transparent - that's the new buzz word isn't it? I have always been transparent. I couldn't live with myself otherwise.
Sorry, that was me in that comment above -hmm, must be new rules about posting....busy watching the election unfold.
Darn I am bad at this!
Missy- I don't mind them even if they are nasty. If I disagree I can just move on but to join the fray just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
Erik- I strongly dislike rhetoric, talking points, and lies. Way too many posts simply regurgitate this garbage. Yup, I completely agree.
Vickie- I also have some failry strong opinions about the outcome but I don't feel the need to participate in the mudslinging to get those views heard.
Bill- I enjoyed the debate, hope you did too!
Jason- Thanks!
Brett- Compassion isn't the word I would use. I respect and admire people who stand up and speak out about their beliefs. If you can create a market niche by being your area's Green Realtor, Christian Loan Officer, Republican Inspector or what ever I think that's great! I just seems to me that many people who have been spewing vitroil on fellow members are more caught up in the moment than committed political activists.
I'll assume that your last comment was made tongue in cheek.
Kimo- Thank you for your thoughtful response and I apologze if misunderstood your first comment. I do see your point, in fact I agree with you. It is a very difficult time, not just in our industry but for our ecomomy as a whole. Emotions are running high and that is completely understanable. My post was more of a warning shot across the bow if you will. It's so easy to get caught up in negativity especially at a time like this. I just think it would be a shame for someone to loose business over this without thinking it through.
Again, I do appreciate your comments and point of view.
Beth,..... bravo.... I have been saying the same thing to myself for the last 3 weeks. I have seen some members write like 3 poltical posts in a row. I agree.... why complain now, all that is left is the mud slinging. I wrote a semi political post 5 days ago, called, "stop pointing the finger.... We screwed up".... that is about as close as I would come to a politcal post. You make some great points that I have always been on the same side of.
Now... what was that about sex? You got my attention.... ;o) And congrats on your first feature... kudos...
There will be cases that I will agree and others that I will disagree. To develop a close relationship with any client, we need a common bond. In some cases, that would be religion and politics. Not so sure how to fit the sex part in. I have had clients that were very difficult until either religion or politics were brought into the conversation. Obviously you have to make sure that they are in agreement with your beliefs before throwing that topic in the conversation.......
I try my best not to talk about politics. Usually there's nothing good to discuss on that subject anyway.
Tom is right ... Everybody likes to talk about politics. Even many of the AR people who post here. People ask about who you are voting for. Even some clients start that stuff. It's OK with me ... as long as they think it's OK to talk and listen. We all have ideas. Harrison
Tim, I agree with you when you are having an actual conversation with someone. It's the commenting in cyerspace so to speak when you have no idea who your audiance is that I find concerning.
JL, I do love politics. It's dirty, sleezy and fun. I just wouldn't write out my very controversial views and use nasty ill thought out pictures in a networking environment.
Harrison, I have lots of ideas and I love to talk about them. I just choose not to post them. You can't determine who thinks it's appropriate in this type of format. Thanks for stopping in!