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Greg Cremia (Shore Realty of the Outer Banks)

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Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Who is getting chased away besides the school kids from Utah?

There was someone just yesterday that breached blog etiquette & I told her so. I think that if you act inappropriately, someone should step in & tell you the way.

No to the AR Ambassadors being playground monitors.

Mar 04, 2016 01:29 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Moderation could stifle the good and unexpected growth. Liberty feeds innovation.

Mar 04, 2016 01:42 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The questions are the same and on any given day the same question from more than one of the students can be viewed. Very few of the students interact and it seems they are being manipulated by the instructors. This is a learning platform and a good resource for them to learn but it isn't a place for them to do their homework. I just don't think they know what is going on. Some members could be kinder in their responses or just skip over and not answer. It's too bad that the questions are not more genuine and are stock right out of a test booklet. 

Mar 04, 2016 12:32 AM
Ambassador
3,169,508
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Greg, I don't see controlling the Q&A section as being an Ambassador function, but an overall community function.  There's a Report link for every question and every comment.  If anyone finds something truly objectionable, they have the ability to click that link and let the AR Staff address as they deem appropriate.  Me personally, I'm skipping the blatant real estate school answer my homework questions.  I'm pretty sure the purpose of this Q&A section wasn't to be some school's tutor program.

Mar 04, 2016 01:07 AM
Ambassador
5,829,479
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

To echo what Liz and Bill Spear said, I don't think Ambassadors need to moderate the Q&A , but rather we all can.  There is a "Report" button to use.  Like the rest of the community, it's important to remember that this is not some playground where bullies or unprofessional behavior is tolerated.  We're all adults so we should be able to handle it. 

Mar 04, 2016 01:58 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

What would you propose they do?

Maybe Ben would create a new badge "Kindergarten Cop" or "Recruiter."

Now, I do empathize. These students don't know they are being manipulated. These students don't know this is the 111th time that question peculated from the Utah School of Real Estate this year. Perhaps the Utah School of Real Estate needs to be contacted and issued a few protocol directives. One being "Don't be a taker only."

Mar 03, 2016 11:34 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I freely give back to this community as an ambassador because I learned so much here. However, I'm still a broker running a business and don't have time to be here and police things 24/7.  And anyone in the community of ActiveRain can report a comment that is someone being a bully. People have had their accounts suspended for being ugly to other members in the past and I'm sure that could happen again if the same person gets reported by multiple people.  I also know staff will reach out and remind people of the rules when needed.

Mar 05, 2016 05:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I'm not monitoring anything.  If a new agent asks a question and gets "bullied" as you call it, so be it as long as it can be a teaching moment.  I haven't seen much of what you speak of.  

If I ever saw someone getting mocked on a good question I'd be more than happy to step in and throw in my two cents.

If you're willing to put it out there you need to be willing to take what you get.  

There are some pretty ridiculous questions out there that need policed in my opinion.  

Mar 04, 2016 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

We don't need no stinking moderators.

Mar 04, 2016 04:54 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Greg, just hit report on a comment that you think is abusive, it will be looked at and Bob Stewart will make a determination as to whether the guidelines have been violated.

Mar 04, 2016 04:34 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I agree! Some of the answers are not worthy of the spirit of the community. If a young agent or someone studying to be an agent asks a question, it's an opportunity to educate him or her how to do "the right thing", that's why they ask. If it's a repeat question, maybe they don't know how to navigate the site to find the answer - another opportunity to educate.

Mar 04, 2016 03:28 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,414
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Should?  No.

I do like the response by Liz and Bill Spear

Mar 05, 2016 12:46 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

No. If members don't care for the newbies questions they should just pass. No need for rude answers.  I haven't noticed many remarks, just a few.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  Some students don't seem sincere and I thinks that's a shame. There is a lot of info and good people on this site that offer  to help. 

Mar 04, 2016 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I think some already do. There are some members that just decide to be nasty and they are watched and reported. 

Mar 04, 2016 11:23 AM
Rainmaker
556,890
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

I say let "free speech" rule the day without moderators.   Those who post or question inappropriately will quickly be identified and / or reported.   That will provide adequate control. 

Mar 04, 2016 05:37 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

You bring up an interesting idea, Greg.  Though, when it comes to policing this Q & A section, there will be some hard feelings.

Mar 04, 2016 04:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Greg, no I don't think it should be.  The problem with the agents in training is they ask the same questions repeatedly, they never comment or give any indication that they even read the answers and they don't come back (with the exception of one or two).  It's literally a checkbox for them in their cirriculum "Post in Q&A on active rain."

 

A couple have done blogs and I've positively commented on their blog and thanked them for it.

Mar 04, 2016 02:00 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I believe many of us are moderating the Q&A section.  However, based upon this question, my sense is that we can be doing a better job.  We do flag inappropriate conduct.

Mar 04, 2016 12:20 AM
Ambassador
2,436,385
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I haven't seen anyone get bullied, but I usually skip the questions that have been already asked quite frequently. I don't think there needs to be a moderator in Q&A.

Mar 04, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Greg,

I think that is not necessary.  We are all adults here!  A

Mar 03, 2016 11:37 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

I know of only two or three "bullies" on ActiveRain.  Like any Internet Troll, the best thing to do is ignore them and delete their comments.

Mar 08, 2016 12:06 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,565
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I know Bob Stewart truly wanted the Q & A to be real estate related, so thinking this may not only include the students.

Mar 05, 2016 08:30 AM
Rainmaker
644,125
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

I do not think it is up to Ambassadors to police the area.  They are volunteers to help and guide as experience and time permits on the topic.

I DO wish the Q&A were NOT included in the regular blog roll and people interested in that section could go there and play all day long if they choose. Very few RE related questions are posed in my personal observation/opinion.

In the meantime, the best response (for me anyway) to repetitive or nonsense "questions" is no response at all.  Hopefully the lack of attention will let them find someone else to "play"...

The Q&A section of AR is one place I have found that the old saying "there is no such thing as a stupid question" is totally 100% incorrect.

My .02

Mar 05, 2016 01:20 AM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Greg. I hope not, I want to see a continue open forum when it comes to AR.

Mar 04, 2016 04:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Greg Cremia I think the current system is working fine....

Mar 04, 2016 01:53 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Is that a fact or personal opinion?  I have been here a very long time and I don't know how I would discover people are being chased away.  Bullied? You mean like pushed around and stuff? Or are you talking about leaving their opinion about a question?

Mar 04, 2016 10:59 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

no

Mar 04, 2016 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I feel the students are being pushed to be here...

Mar 04, 2016 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Greg Cremia No, I don't think AR Ambassadors whould moderate the Q&A Section.

Mar 04, 2016 03:56 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

All of us should speak up if we see things we think are out of line in our forum. That goes for blog post too. Lately we have had many waste-of-time questions  (e.g. "What are the roles of the participants in transactions?"). Even in fifth grade I would not have asked a question that general; sorry if I sound harsh but students still need to step up and not waste our time even skimming these questions.

Mar 04, 2016 02:08 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

The instructor(s) sending them here need to give them some training on how to introduce themselves and interact.  

Mar 04, 2016 12:22 AM
Rainmaker
140,768
Joan Dickie
Keller Williams Premier Realty - La Crosse, WI
Keller Williams Premier Realty

I understand not wanting people's feelings to get hurt, but on the other hand, unless someone is getting really hostile or profane, it should be let go.  Something will always offend someone.  Tough industry.

Mar 04, 2016 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,242
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No

Mar 03, 2016 11:41 PM