The early days of Activerain was a great place to be. It was a time of building and growing and learning. Never did I gripe about the featured board because I knew that the moderators were people like you and me...hard working...and not paid but volunteering their time to help this network grow. Laurie Manny was one of them...the classy dame!
The moderators had it tough and some moderators were tough, the classy dame, Laurie Manny had a way to set people straight...who was very direct and honest and who mentored many who in turn shared with all of us. I was one of the lucky ones! Laurie was unique, she would jump in and fight the good fights.
Receiving an email was always enlightening..and always exciting and sometimes a little scary to me...you never knew what she was gonna email you for. On occasion I would wonder, am I in trouble? But in all the email interactions it was kind, thoughtful or asking a question.
I guess my best memory was when she came to the rescue and wrote the best comment in reference to a post written about ghostwriting..not only did she take the time to come back and leave a very well thought out, thoughtful comment but shot me an email that made me want to pursue it even farther and I knew I was on the right track.
I valued her opinion...I wasn't alone...many valued her opinion, her knowledge and her friendship. She was a hell of a woman, one classy dame! I nicknamed her that...she reminded me of pure class and glamour from an era that no longer exists today.
And she was very, very smart. She had a handle on SEO and blogging long before the masses.
She was a pioneer and will be missed
Midori - This is a great tribute to a very smart realtor. I never met Laurie in person, and that's my loss, But I did read every one of her posts, just hoping to learn a little bit more about SEO and attracting people to my blog or website. You always paid attention when she made a comment on your post because it might just be the missing link that you were needing. I'll miss her.
Midori, I only got to watch Lori on streaming video at a blog camp and yet her impression stuck big time. I still think about the things she said from time to time. One of them was that you could retitle a post for another kick of SEO.
The early days were truly amazing and life changing for many of us. Laurie was such an intricate and vital part of those early times. Her impact in our lives was signicant and lasting. She was a sharp tack and could back slap anyone who attempted to defy her. You didn't ever want to be on her bad side, but fortunately, most of us will forever cherish her good side!...
Midori, Lauie was indeed a very smart and classy lady. I'll miss her!
Midori, thanks for your tribute to Laurie, a very fine lady....
Midori...."One Classy Dame" yep, that about says it :) Those early days were surreal when you look back on them. What fun...and yes when Laurie spoke we listened. I loved watching her when she went after something...tough lady with a lot of smarts.
The first time I talked to her on the phone I was a bit intimidated...but she had a way of making everyone feel comfortable. What a legacy ...what a lady, and all of us are so much better off for having known her!
Midori thanks for sharing this memory.
Hi Midori,
A lovely heartfelt message.
I like Kathy's description: "...tough lady with a lot of smarts." Pretty much on the mark!
A lovely tribute to Laurie -- she will be missed, but here legacy will live on here and elsewhere.
I had not heard of the loss - I didn't think she was very old. I'm truly sad even though I didn't know her all that well.
Her pioneering spirit and sage advice will leave an impact on many....and they, like you, are grateful for having had her touch their lives...may God walk with her always and her friends and family find comfort in the memories she gave them for a lifetime.
I'm shocked. I had no idea Laurie had passed away. That's what I get for no longer venturing out into the blogosphere.
Still dumbfound. May she rest in peace.
Great title and great piece!
Lenn is spot on ... Laurie took to SEO like a duck takes to water. She had knowledge and instincts that drove traffic most people can only dream about.
Laurie Manny was one of a kind, a giant. I am going to miss her terribly. The real estate space lost one of its shining stars.
Rest in Peace, Laurie.
I did not know tht Laurie had passed either, I guess I need to go search and see, I remember her name from starting on Active Rain, very well
Wow, stunned and sad.