All of the above and ENGAGEMENT with and in the community. Engagement connects us with other members, we make friends and get referrals. If members are not connecting and engaging ... it's more like a one-way door.

what I say is... welcome to ActiveRain... it's a great place to learn, share, market and network....and I hope you enjoy it and benefit from all of it as much as I have over my ast 9 years here....

that's what I say!!

This is a very good question, Free and some excellent responses to consider.

All of the above!  And be sure to post a picture ... we like to put a face to a name here in the Rain!

Mainly, become a Rainmaker so they can enjoy the benefits of getting their posts indexed to the public. Keep on blogging.

Fred,

Realize that commenting is part of what makes a social network viable.  Take time to read posts and comment on them.  Engage in conversation. Don't resort to drive-by comments or bland comments, such as "thank you for sharing this information".  Keep up the good work,  A

All of the above + play nice

My advice would be to respond to all comments made to your post and tag those people. The same advice applies to questions you post. Thanks Fred Griffin 

I think it would make an excellent multi-part series in the following parts:

1. Setting up one's profile and an introduction to the profile screen - picture, signature, bio, notifications, daily drop,...
2. How to write a blog - saving, word count, different types of blogs, public v. private (touch on rainmaker there), categories, groups, not featuring the listing, source code editing, commenting, responding to comments,
3. The Q&A section - searching via google, public v. private questions, the approved uses for anonymous questions, categories
4. Miscellaneous stuff such as the point system, how to maximixe your points, ettiquete, etc.

Write blogs that will appeal to local home buyers and home sellers.

All of the above... and to think about what they are writing, why they are writing it, and their title. Read others' posts and engage with them,

Be nice and have fun.  There are some great people here including Fred Griffin .

Fred Griffin Kathleen Daniels has a great response.

At this time I would advise newbie's to engage.

I would advise newbie to not be reactionary but to be 'fruit' inspectors.

Because none of us know the future designs for Active Rain, I would advise those who will blog to make sure their brand and contact data appears within the text, not limited to the signature line.

Lastly, well structured question get meaningful responses. Don't react but simply ignore the bad fruit.

Looks like you have a good start Fred, remember to keep it short so that it will get read.

All of the above you mentioned Fred Griffin 

Just be original. I get bored easily.

yes, consistency is a big one. I believe, many of us struggle with that.

How about actually finishing your profile! Say something that sellers or buyers would want to read. Then #2 step would be signature line.

Highlight the points path to a free Rainmaker account...

"Write from the heart".

Do as much as you can and personally meet as many members as you can. So much talent here!

Kathleen has a good answer.

Fred Griffin - calling the new member? (Sometimes they are afraid to even talk).

Consistency, focus and relationships.

Get Active; stay active...

Make sure you call everyone you know!

READ the posts and no drive-by commenting! Thoughtful comments garner FAR more appreciation and respect than those copy & paste ones.

Playing nice in the sandbox is another big one.

Lastly, tell them about Q&A - we need more fresh faces/ideas in this area!!

You named pretty much all the good points. I would also tell them to check spelling and be genuine, find their voice and don't violate copyright laws.

All of them Fred, and many post, and never come back again, let alone reciprocate a comment.

You get out what you put in and share your success, help for help in areas you are weak. 

Write something future generations would like to read, is relavant to them and gives them something new to learn.