Your reputation in the Real Estate Industry (or life in general) takes a LIFETIME TO BUILD... and your online presence can enhance your reputation...or tear it down. That's totally up to you in how you handle yourself and what you desire to achieve for your online presence.
Why are you here?
We the people, the members of ActiveRain, write with the intent to give information to the public (and our peers) about our local areas and Real Estate, Loans, Staging, Home Inspections and so forth. We write with sincerity as if the people that are reading are walking right along side of us.
We follow the ActiveRain Community Guidelines and hold our heads high with integrity, honesty and respect.
Do you?
*Definition of Opinionated- -adjective - Obstinate or conceited with regard to the merit of one's own opinions; conceitedly dogmatic Synonyms: prejudiced, biased, bigoted, stubborn.
As I see it there are two questions and choices.
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Be opinionated with a closed judgmental mind and what will you accomplish?
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Be honest, sincere and open minded without harsh criticism and bashing and what will you accomplish?
A professional (a good human being) is mindful and respectful of the next person's opinion. If one does not believe in the same religious faith or your political views it does not give one the right to disrespect them. If you choose to believe that siding with a view and bashing another is cool... then that's your choice.
It's definitely not my choice.
I dictate who I am and I am responsible for my own keyboard.
Remember, everything you write will hang around for quite awhile online. In fact, it could be a lifetime as well......so the legacy you have left behind will follow.
You WILL Be REMEMBERED.
Which path will you choose?
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Usually when I write something along these lines I get the "what happened Sally?" Nothing personal...just a reminder to myself that bashing posts are something I choose to stay away from. Their views are their own.....not mine.
Sally
I have seen alot of those bashing posts; I also know my clients read them so I like to put my energy into a positive pro-active sense.
Tom
Hi Sally. Yes, what we say and do will always be part of our legacy. Here on AR what we do is out there for the whole world to see, so we want to be proud of the legacy we create here. As an example of someone who left a most inspirational legacy, I think of Bruce Bourgalt. Although he passed some many months ago, he is still ranked No.11 here in Honolulu, and I read some of his posts from time to time, for advice, education and inspiration.
Tom: Me too...it's what separates the compassionate ....
Hey Mike: It goes for the same in real life too....how many would actually say the things they pound out from their keyboard...face to face. I definitely would not want to associate with the likes of those...in business or personal life.
Sis - I can honestly say that I would and have said anything that I write on the keyboard. I try (the best I can) to not buy into negativity, as it costs too much in every way.
"If one does not believe in the same religious faith or your political views it does not give one the right to disrespect them." Enough said.
Hey buddy...how you both doing over there....I have yet to call...wanted you folks to get 'settled' first.
As usual lil bro...you are there supporting others in every way...especially about respect.
Great post! It amazes me how many people can get into "virtual fights" over something that's posted. It just shows lack of maturity on their part and runs people off. If somebody has posted something I don't agree with, I usually don't comment on that portion. Everybody is entitled to their opinion and we don't all see eye to eye. This life would be really boring if we were all the same!
Sheila: Yeah....there has to be some balance somewhere....I have to be on the side that 'let's it go'.
Woo Hoo, Is that the most recent dragon? It looks way better in this picture than the other picture of it. Kinda Cool! Fits in with the Faerie Collection great! Good Legacy Post in case someone has a contest. Oops. You did. Smiles for Thursday come you way!
Sally, Well put, being nice is much easier and a better choice in these types of forums.
Please remember me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC" and I will do the same!
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
(949) 753-7900
Sally,
Bashing to me is about as useful as blaming...nothing constructive usually comes from that practice...!!!
My belief has always been that ALL bloggers are opinionated...almost by definition...but it's OK by me if their views differ from mine...variety is the spice of life...!!! We are all God's children, no matter what we believe...!!! JMHO, Thanks, Fran
Hey William: Nope...that's another excerp the life of fantasy land lol. That's Merlin....with the fairy you gave me next to it! woohoo!
thanks for the smiles William!
Michael: It sure is...and while we're on the subject...have you had the chance to read the ActiveRain Community Guidelines ??
One of the guidelines is:
Do not advertise yourself or your services in the comment section of another members blog post.
Fran: And that's a fact....it's non constructive...and it serves no purpose but it sure gives light to the individual who is doing it.
Not all bloggers are opinionated (Definition of Opinionated- -adjective - Obstinate or conceited with regard to the merit of one's own opinions; conceitedly dogmatic Synonyms: prejudiced, biased, bigoted, stubborn.) but have their own opinions. It's not just bloggers....we are all human and ALL have our own opinions.
And yes...you do have your own beliefs....they differ from mine although we surely accept that don't we? :)
Sally - I have many opinions but am not opinionated. I let those who are wrong continue in their errant ways...I kid you..really! You said it correctly!
Gary: Now YOU got it right :) :) There is a difference and I thank you :)
Sally, a very good post as always. HOWEVER we decide to represent ourselves, with words, pictures, and other media we need to be respectful of others in what we say and also in our comments. Sometimes you will read comments and wonder where that context came from. It is footprints on the Internet for sure.
Hi Sally, I think you said it all right there, "I dictate who I am and I am responsible for my own keyboard." We must be mindful of others.
Sally, very good advice. Me? Opinionated? Ask anyone I know, they will probably laugh their as ... I mean, they may politely tell you I might be a bit opinionated. I hope that I am always respectful, even when giving my own opinion. I may have a bad day now and then, I may say things that I look at later and think, what was I thinking that day. But all in all, I do try very hard.
I have seen great debates over the advertising of ones self in the comment section. I have not had that happen to me, or if I have, I haven't noticed it. I suppose that I would get very upset if it was hurting my business. I understand it is breaking the rules, and therefore is taboo. Sometimes I think some do not really understand. I know some will jump on me for that, but honestly, there are those who don't see what others see when reading. (Nice way of saying it, see?). I think the best way of handling it might be to copy and past the post to an email to the person, explain that it violates the rules, and ask them to repost without the offending material. I know that is a pain in the butt, but it would be taking the high road.
OK, I am ready to take my licks on that one. Great post, have a wonderful day.
Gary: I agree....everything we write....even in the comment section is surely seen all over the internet. Now that we have our outside blogs..it carries over there as well...double words for sure!
Sandy:And that's the bottom line.
Andrea: A distinct difference between having an opinion and being opinionated.... Having a closed mind leaves no room for change or hearing another side. As far as the comment section advertising....I usually do email the person...but in this case...right here....I have seen this person doing it on MANY posts. Time to read the guidelines for sure...even after being told many a time. Rules and guidelines are there for a reason.....if everyone 'let it go...just this once' it is enabling the person to keep doing it...regardless of the situation. :)
I got out of hand once, and reconciled with the offended party, and we are now the best of online friends! Since then, I have minded my manners because I don't want to be the kind of person that has to apologize to make a friend!
Featured in the group "Whacked!!!"
That's pretty funny Richard :) We live learn and learn more here in the Rain.... Thanks Rich.
Sally, once again you hit the nail on the head. For the most part I see AR as a place where most people do have an opinion but respect those with different ones. Every once in awhile I'll see something that gets out of hand and as you said, I remember those people.
Ron...oh, yeah. Can you imagine the consumer who says...hmmm...I'll just move on to someone else. Yup...and that's what happens....little do they know....
Sally, as newbies we were guilty of unintentionally advertising in our comments by adding our website after our names.
So sorry for not absorbing all the AR guidelines, when you are new and excitedly step out in the rain without the proper gear.
Al and Peggy Cunningham
Al/Peggy....it's understandable for new members....I too had made that mistake in the beginning...but we learn. ... usually. :)
Did this topic go off track a bit? LOL>
Sally - I have always been a live and let live kind of person. I don't agree with a lot of things I read, but that's ok. It's the differences we share that make this world interesting.
When a person decides that their only way to respond to something is with derogatory comments, profanity or schoolyard name-calling they have only demonstrated that their argument has no merit. If they can't present their side without attempting to tear down someone else ...
At least that's how we were raised.
Carol: Ah....there is no merit for behavior such as you described...but what do I know....I've been told I'm too touchy feely and I'm such a.....girl. LOL
Great post Sally - your writing certainly is thought provoking. I try not to write anything I would not say to a person's face - that keeps alot of the abrasive comments in check. It takes me so much more effort to be negative, that I stick to the positive as much as possible. Thanks for sharing with us!
Sally: I don;t like to play the blame game and certainly don't play the bashing game. I just skip right over the negative and the public probably skips over the negative too.
Sally, People should always be respectful--whether they agree or not. They can always move along or put a comment in that is not an attack. I will never figure out why some people write the things they do but I want my online and offline presence to be good ones!
Sheila: Seems to be common sense to most....some not. :)
Sandy: I agree....some may not realize....it lives on and on and on.
Carole: As do I... and I think I'll keep it that way :)
Aloha Sally,
Very interesting topic. I sat in on a similar discussion on the topic at RE Bar L.A. last week. And something to rememver is that "text can be misinterpreted all the time..."
Awesome Sally Sometimes I think people forget to check themselves because they can't hear what is coming out of their fingertips onto the keyboard. I always read what I have said and edit as needed. Others should sometimes do that. too quick on that submit key and you can find yourself apologizing for hurting another human being unnecessarily.
Sally Tact and the golden rule works every time. Treating others the way we want to be treated should be uppermost in our mind.
Hi Sally - I agree, and it is too bad that people sometimes have to be reminded not to be mean to each other, just because they may disagrree on a political issue or whatever. I read an occasional post here that surprises me - someone who rants a bit over the top, and sounds bitter or angry, doesn't help their business. Obviously they have a right to say what they want, but why hurt people's feelings or alienate potential clients? Beats me.
Lynda: Oh..yes...and sometimes it's better to pick up that phone and see wassup :)
Paddy: As in real life...when one is closed minded they can't hear what's coming out of their mouth either...we should all try and be aware how what we do may affect others.
Jennifer: So true....and most of all...respect others.
Susan: No one should have to be reminded....it sure is a stumper to think that one does not even consider to think about when pounding on the keyboard.
Sally - Must have missed this post. Gee I wonder how that happened? :-)
Opinions are fine as long as you don't force them onto other people. I have seen posts on A/R that are completely out of text with the rest of this website. Former car salesman spouting religious beliefs. I thought this was a Real Estate associated site. As much as this irks me in many ways I am not here to criticize other for anything. I am open to opinions and respect them even if I disagree with the forum that they have put them into. If that's the case I am mindful of that and let them be. Not to confront them on it. I believe that should be up to the A/R gods... Just my 2 opinionated 2 cents. :-)
Sally... I guess you create what you want out of life... and out of the rain. If you are a basher, you will attract followers that like the spark, the anger, the conflict, the excitement of the fight. There's a place for that, I suppose. For me, I like the supportive, the wind beneath others wings, the encouragers.
I don't read someone twice if they have an attitude that doesn't inspire me or propel me in a positive direction. I think it all becomes self-selecting. And you are right... we are leaving a virtual legacy of who we are.