A few emails triggered this post, one of the questions I received is because someone doesn't use activerain anymore, should they delete their content. I also saw a similar conversation taking place on facebook, I don't quite get it at all?
You probably have a love/hate relationship with Active rain. In my case...I do.
I have recently changed cities due to the office being located in Ormond Beach, while I am no longer a REALTOR,
I am a real estate agent who chose a different path. To refer business and keep my license active and follow my dreams. At this point I am at a crossroads with Activerain. Where do I fit in?
I did not know Jon, Caleb or Matt when I first joined Activerain, I didn't join Activerain because of them. I joined Activerain because it promised me another avenue to connect with peers throughout the country that were willing to share information, their best trade secrets and build bonds. I can't complain..I have had a great run with Activerain and will continue to do so.
Generating Leads - Still Building Relationships - I Still Love This Place - Its The Community Members That Matter And Not Who Owns The Site
Since 2006 there have been many changes and I imagine there will be more. For me a perfect example is when Caleb left Active-rain he was replaced with Bob Stewart, it was difficult to give Bob a chance. Not because he was bad, evil or not likeable. Bottom line he wasn't Caleb. At that point I considered leaving and deleting all of my content. I got upset when Caleb left...but we all continued on.
While I love and admire Caleb forever, I got the opportunity to meet Bob too, Bob Stewart earned my respect and friendship due to his own merits. He has become a great friend and an awesome source of information.
My respect and admiration for Bob Stewart does not affect the way I feel about Caleb. They are two different people and I admit I love them both.
Cutting Activerain Loose - Is It A Business Decision or Emotional Decision?
This year we all got a jolt when many who are near and dear to our hearts changed career paths, moved on and continue to trail blaze through social media. I'll always remember them, truly respect them and will find a way to connect with them whether they are here or there but still I ask myself where do I fit in? It has nothing to do with Active rain changes
but my own personal changes. It sometimes feels strange to be here and have questioned often should I just delete my content from Activerain?
I Can't - I Won't - You Shouldn't - To Each His Own
NO WAY..since links are cached on the web and what would happen if someone saw a link of interest and instead of your posts they received a 404 error where they click and there is nothing there.
There are many readers of ActiveRain that are consumers who have been following your blog for a very long time. I've been here since the early days and receive emails and contacts to this day with the emails starting out, where have you been? Is everything ok? I have a buyer for you! I need a REALTOR. I loved your post. Please write something..
My Personal Opinion and Reasons Why I Probably Won't Use My Content Elsewhere
The concept of importing your content makes perfect sense but why would you delete your content from ActiveRain? Although I have grabbed my content, it sits in a zip file. I posted a few on my site but I quickly realized these posts were written for the community, my subscribers and consumers who visit activerain.
Do you think by removing your content it will benefit you? I will not remove my content unless the terms of service became unacceptable or content is a negative for me with google but I wouldn't throw my eggs in one basket either. I did that for a very long time and now I stand wondering where do I fit in.
Activerain Gives Me Lots of Traffic To My Own Personal Site
I don't think many realize the power of Activerain where the home page is a page rank of 5. If you check the variety of rankings for this site, it is better than most of the top dawg real estate sites and many real estate agents sites out there.
Check your own site..my site is a page rank 3, last year my site was a page rank 5 but this year I can probably count the number of posts written on both of my hands. Its sad but true and it applies here too in 2011 I wrote a total of 5 posts here. darn it including this one. WOW what a bum I have been! Damn if that did not get me motivated!
Activerain Platform + Community + Your Site = Your Own Social Network
Even though you may not post as often as others do, the posts that sit here may give you additional business or make the difference of you or someone else in your local market being at the top of the search engines or #1 for your local market. Why would you want to remove it?
People Still Read Old Content If It Is Relevant and Interesting!
I have been here since June 2006. Today I received two contacts from ActiveRain from posts dating back to 2008, a new comment was posted yesterday by a consumer on a post I wrote in 2008.
I ask myself, where do I fit in?
I still generate business, I still have many of the friends that I had before on the network and its shocking to me that I even considered removing all my content.
My Personal Opinion
Do yourself a favor and think twice before taking every piece of advice out there on the web.
When you focus on SEO too much you lose a huge portion of the human side of yourself, your audience will notice the mechanical writing that goes with it!
Its just like repeating the title of a blog post in the first sentence of your post, I get it but sometimes it sounds ridiculous and other times condesceding.
For me, its not just about SEO, you can still write SEO friendly content and sound like a human being!
Some statistics for Activerain.com
I have to face the fact, I am one who doesn't post often but the past will continue to haunt me on the search engines and my own sites! Its a tough problem to have...NOT!
I was just discussing this with a friend today. She created an account here a long while back, but has done nothing with it. Now she's in a completely different company. Her preference would be to wipe out the old account and start fresh, as a new member really, with purpose and enthusiasm.
why get a new account when it can be edited very easily. I have been through 2 companies and can't tell you how many times I have changed my profile..services I provide...I just made an annoucement I changed companies...its a benefit also to her new company...she is pretty much saying..I joined a different company because of the value they bring in comparison to her past company.
I believe in editing...I think for most it is silly to delete content. Even moving content elsewhere does not make a lot of sense to me. I would hang onto the early AR member number at all costs.
I remember thinking the world was ending when Caleb moved on....
Life happens.
Midori - where do you fit in, you asked? Right here - you're a Rainmaker. :)
Glad I am the same own my own brokerage flavor and don't have to raise and lower new real estate office flag colors with agency changes. Go back to the early wobbly blog posts and revive them, rewrite, tighten up, add links and SEO razzle dazzle that you did not know when they were chop sticks piano song simple. Here or on your stand alone blogging platform. If all you did was market reports and reblogs, you were a cover blogger. No orginal material to digitally remaster and release as a greatest hits set though. But never to late to start hunt and pecking out the blog posts that should be already written. Just inside, below the surface that you just let out to breath on line, in public.
I am a newbie so I can't say much about this site.. .however I have heard great things about it and so far for the past few days I have been reading lots and lots of blogs and they are very interesting, informative, and just simple learning experience.. My opinion would be to keep your account active and let all of us know of your career change..I am sure everyone is happy for your future success no matter what you decide and will support you in whatever way we can.. Best of luck and please keep me in mind
Hosai Nasir
Midori - I can't imagine removing my content from AR, especially for SEO. AR was my first blog experience and I will continue to blog here even though I have other platforms. There is no doubt in my mind changes on AR continue to happen. People come, people go - for me I do blog for business and along the way I have made friends who I cherish very much.
Active Rain is a blogging platform like no other - you really can't find it anywhere else.
Great article and spoken from your heart.
Suggested!
Why remove content??? The past members who remove content do so to deny ActiveRain the benefit of their content. As though their drop in the ocean of content is the cause of the success of ActiveRain.
Or, it could simply be a matter of cutting off one's nose to . . . . well, you know.
I've been around since August of 1996. I remember Matt, Caleb and Jon from the beginning.
I can't really see that much of a change in terms of the reason I stick around, which is synergy with my web site(s), a place to discuss real estate matters with folks in the business and a place to blog with ease.
ActiveRain is a platform and a very useful one. I suspect that far too much focus is on personalities, but then we in the industry to have rather large egos or we wouldn't be in business for ourselves, would we??
Midori, I can't imagine removing the posts from Active Rain. I do not even want to think of changing office and all the time it will take to make changes to all the posts .
Midori, I for one, will follow your well written, information packed posts whenever you decide to write. I would suggest this post but some brilliant member already beat me.
You have many followers and are an asset to the community.
Margaret
Midori- I feel its best to leave it since you are getting a benefit from it. And keep writing as your post as great...
Midori- This is a GREAT post- and I happy to see it featured. Change happens, but content is our link to the real world. Like you I have been here a really long time-and sometimes I feel like I don't fit in-but as we evolve we make new friendships, connections, and find a fit. More importantly, the connections to readers. I recently deleted some old listings that were no longer for sale, to keeo the content more relevant and current. But leave AR- no I have enjoyed being part of this community way too much to do that.
Just think....if either of us had dropped out....deleted, quit....we would not be friends today...that alone is reason to stay
undeleted...hmmmm ?
Midori, I wish for you the best of success on your new ventures. .reading your post made me realize that I missed you and I miss reading about your witty posts. .
Another way to look at this is selling your blog. . you created it and you brought it up with your effort. . I'm not sure AR would agree on this but.. .if I was an agent on your area. .this would be very beneficial to me.
Midori, you ask some pretty good questions. It would be a shame for other AR member to lose your content. I do totally understand your question though. I hope you stay, and I hope you continue to contribute. I've learned so much from so many AR brainiacs, and I appreciate their willingness to share.
If you notice...not one person told you to delete. I agree...but isn't anyone curious??? What is the new career path you chose?
Midori, congratulations on your new adventure. I think becoming a referral agent is a great way to keep your foot in the business, while moving on. And surely your old content can help you generate referrals. It's probably the route I will take some day.
From time to time, I've read about people who deleted all their content from AR and went off in a huff, for whatever reason. It's something I've never understood. And it certainly hurts them more than it does Activerain, if that's their goal.
The changes at Activerain are sad in some ways, but they bring us new friends. It's the natural order of things in this life.
Midori - It's nice to see you here! Hope all is well on your new trail (as it sounds like it is!)
Midori...
Funny, I was looking down the AR leaderboard and when I can to your name I wondered about what was going on with you, and magically this thought-provoking post appears!
I hope that all goes well with your new endeavor.
Midori - Great to hear words of wisdom from you, again! Nope, never removing my AR stuff!
I think I would leave my posts on here. I haven't put anything in a zip file yet. Not sure I want every post saved.
Hi Miordi, As you say, SEO mechanics won't generate leads. The message you send has to be first then SEO - always in that order. However, you must add SEO into the equation if you want to be found in the index. If your message is a good one AND you have optimized your post for topic placement, voila, you have the best of both worlds working on your behalf. Thank you for sharing with us today!
Well, there is a school of thought that your posts on AR benefit AR and not you individually. Not saying I agree. Just sayin'.
Midori, I am a Newbie so there is not much that I can advice you!!! I think you should stay on Activerain no matter what the future holds & good luck in all your future endeavors.......
Midori, Removing content just doesn't make sense to me at all. Wouldn't do it, it's to MY benefit to leave it there no matter where I might someday choose to hang my blogging hat.
Midori, I can't see deleting content. People can still benefit from your posts. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.
Midori always told a good story....As far as content goes, freely you have received so why not freely give? No one got to where they are without the help of someone else? If my posts cause others to live long and prosper, having something to do with that is worthy...Read what Lincoln or Churchill left behind....pots of gold and warm places in our hearts.....I am for sharzies
ActiveRain is a unique place that I do not see other platforms having. I thought about posting content from ActiveRain to my wordpress blog, but somehow it doesn't seem right. The discussions here are like no other. Much success to you!
I got a press inquiry from an article I wrote late last year on a topic that isn't even in the headlines any more. As far as I'm concerned, staying on AR and writing good content, regardless of who is running AR, is exactly what I need to do to build my business.
WOW well this is good I got featured..thank you..I needed to write this..this has been heavy on my mind and helps with writers block that I occasionally experience. I had major insomnia last night and said lets write and I did. It's like being a newbie. LOL I think when people delete their content its based on emotion..and in business...we shouldn't be so emotional and let emotions dictate what we do.
I have been out of the loop for a bit and kinda felt lost in the direciton that I wanted to utilize my activerain blog.
Maureen - honestly I am with you on that...I really was devastated especially after meeting Caleb. I am so lucky he and Aimee travel to Daytona Beach, her family lives in Ormond. They just got back from a trip here but I was out of town..and I missed them. :( Bob Stewart has been so helpful to me..I bug him a lot and never does he get upset..one day I called him and he was doing a rain camp and still picked up the phone right before he was gonna speak..now that is service, goodness and kindness all rolled into one.
Emily - thank you!
Petra- Thank you and you have always been so supportive. I've done some crazy things this year..I removed my real estate website trying to dilute my real estate search stuff..I have so much stuff online its difficult to do. I decided instead of destroying what I have built I just can't put all my eggs in one basket. In truth I did for a very long time...
Andrew - appreciate it! You r the bomb with your stuff..I watch your video's.
Hosai- Thank You! How about that episode of Cake Boss and CENTURY 21...brilliant marketing all I can say is brilliant!
Lenn- I think its the emotions..you are so right and am so glad that I never lifted my content from and have no intention to do so. I feel like I am starting out again as a newbie. LOL Only because of my direction I am going. I read so much here still. :) I think writers block is gone.
Gita- well its been pretty easy for me. I love my new broker so much and she is an exceptional REALTOR on top of that!
Love You Margaret Rome! xoxo
Thank You Scott I had planned on leaving it...just was stumped in what I should be writing about..never been a big fan about localism...I love writing and sharing what I know and have learned. Everyday I learn something new and many times its right from here.
Allison - I agree! You have always been one of my favorite reads.
Sally- one of the best things I received from AR your friendship among others.
Richard -ahhh, thanks..and I believe it will its very different from what I have been doing...and will also continue to ghostwrite but I have something new coming..can't wait. All I can say it takes guts for what I am doing and better develop some thicker skin.
Fernando - I've missed you too..you've always been very supportive but don't think I don't read u! I do.
Mike- never a question as to whether I stay..its a matter of where I want to take this. I have had a very busy year both personally and professionally and love...love..love what is happening with me. Thank you
E- I am a ghostwriter, do a little web development and manage social media for businesses. It will all unfold as soon as my site is done...I always thought I had higher purpose besides real estate..and I realized and figured out I do! Very excited and feel fortunate that I get to do what I love for a living..even if real estate is in my blood!
Margaret we've seen it all that is for sure! Thank you and read all my regulars including you! Hope life is treating you well and the life of a referral agent is pretty awesome! I am happy.
Renee- am well thanks...love your pic..following your posts and your market..its one market I am always interested in lea ring more..you do a great job teach!
Lizette- Hey Gorgeous! Well I haven't done much with them..they do not belong on my site..well maybe a few..especially those that require me to email to agents..I just send the link...mainly the free tools offered by makeover2takeover..Jeannette laughs but everyday someone contacts me for some of the tools.
Victoria - nice ot meet you! Thanks for you insight...I've read a bunch of your posts..lots!
Cheryl - yes its awesome and when someone comments a lot of the time..it brings the post back to life.
Melissa- yes I know...people say it..and its true to a certain degree...we do benefit especially if you are trying to drive traffic to your website, build relationships and grow your business. So many think AR gains but if you do not have traffic and do not have the ability or are not tech savvy enough to build your own blog or afford to hire someone this is the perfect place. I set up profiles and posts in a matter of minutes now..its just second nature to me.
Bina Thank you
Liz agreed!
Michael :) always always good to see you!
Richard thank you very kind of you to say that...if only I could list every opportunity activerain has given me..I'd be blogging 24 -7.
Pamela- Same thing for me...thank you!
Bryan - I agree I have seen many of my peers on Activerain in the news, newspapers and magazines!
Hi Midori, I just can't imaginhe a positive reason to delete content. Hope your path allows you to visit us often !
I don't think you should leave. There are still ways you can connect and send or receive business. I do agree on the point that you do lose a little personalization with all of this SEO stuff, but what choice do we have when we are out there looking for business?
I remember a couple of years ago, I noticed around 10,000 points were missing. After looking into it, someone had gone through a deleted all their stuff which also deleted my comments. I don't care about the points, but I was confused as to why they deleted their stuff. It takes a heck of a lot more effort to delete something than to allow it to just sit there...
My posts will remain here and in cyber space when I am long dead and my ashes have been tossed out to sea...............I have no intention of removing anything! Ever!
To each their own. Many of the early AR vets have moved on to their own WordPress blogs, and have taken their AR content with them. And many of us, Yours Truly included, have created several WP blogs, but choose to remain active here as well. There is great value in both. There is no reason for me to move my content elsewhere. It's safe and working well for me here. Some of my most heavily accessed articles are here on ActiveRain. I will always owe a tremendous debt to Bob Stewart and ActiveRain for the revolutionary effect its had on my business!
I don't think removing your posts from AR will really do anything. Duplicating them for a blog that you control is an idea worth thinking about.
Great to see you Midori. I can't see why you would remove content that is 'basically working for you when you are not?' (& I don't mean you specifically!) Once it's posted it is there forever so why bother to take it down unless it is totally incorrect, etc.
I agree with Maureen above, just update it if things are no longer current. Might rethink a few things & get more SEO juice from the old thing.
If it is not broke.. Don't fix it... I say don't delete just edit... I call it updating...
Hi Midori...We all hit hard here then get busy doing Real Estate and maybe distracted, then come back for the relationships we developed here in the Rain. Congratulations on your feature post...I bet that made you feel good and appreciated maybe even missed.
You're right if anyone decides to save or download their AR posts for other Blogs or web sites, keep the AR post alive...it's where it all started for most of us and the sharing has been and continues to be awesome.
Midori, your new work sounds very intriguing, will be waiting for you to finish up the details and get to posting about it! Best of luck!
I would not delete my content here, why bother? Sounds like cutting your nose off to spite your face indeed.
Midori - I agree with you, it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to tear down something that took so long to build, and can only help.
I found this post late, but better late than never. I would not recommend deleting your posts, either. Why? What will it benefit the writer?