Active Brads Blog

Twitter Gone Wild! - Rated T

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:15:18 -0600

Today, at the very last possible minute, we put together a RR Talk show that was ALL ABOUT TWITTER! How do you get business from Twitter? Do you need to have an account and be on Twitter? How does it work, why would I want to, and who else is on there anyway? This was a great talk show and the special guests and callers are really what make these talk shows so much fun, exciting, and successful.

At one point, we had over 47 people in the chat, 87 live listeners, 6 guests on the line, numerous call ins, and the show has already been reviewed or downloaded by 253 listeners. WOW!! This is a first, and new record for RAIN Radio. Why such a crazy response? As I said, it had to be our guests today. We only started putting this together at 9:30am today for an 11:00am PDT broadcast. Thanks to Jeremy Blanton, we turned a discussion on the phone, into a Radio Talk show. I think part of our success today was because some "TWEETS WENT WILD!"

My guests were Paul Chaney, Kim Wood, Jeremy Blanton and we had quite an audience today. So if you are interested in finding out what the "Twitter Pros" are doing, and how they are using the Micro-Blogging platform to gain exposure, build relationships, and do more business, take a listen, and enjoy this broadcast. I'm always looking for good topics for discussion, and expert guests to join us to share their voice, today was no exception.

TWITTER IS HOT, so sit back, enjoy the show, and witness "Tweets Gone Wild" on BTR and Rain Radio. Thanks for listening, we appreciate your ratings, comments, calls, emails, and chat room antics! LOL~

You can also "Follow" us on Twitter @BradAndersohn, Paul Chaney @PChaney, Kim Wood @KimWood, and Jeremy Blanton @MyrtleBeachBlog. Feel free to tweet any of us if you have questions about Twitter. The Twitterville community is also a great resource to find out just about anything you want to know.

Social Media Networking - Welcome To The Matrix

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:27:00 -0600

You're about to enter the MatWix

Who says you can't make a Blog Post look like a website every now and then? Why not bring the boring links and text to life sometimes? Do you dare or desire to be different once in awhile? Are you stuck, and just part of the everyday Social Media Matrix? Ready to meet the Oracle? Has NEO peaked your curiosity yet? Are you an AGENT, or are you the ONE? Pick Your Pill...one of them, or both, might just help.

Convert Your Blog To Audio in 60 Seconds

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:58:48 -0600

I've noticed the fonts on many Blog Posts are getting larger these days.

I do appreciate any assistance I can get with not having to wear my glasses to read your posts. Now there's a way to have your posts read themselves out loud to your subscribers and visitors. It's called Odiogo. It converts your entire post to audio for you. I'll use Odiogo in this post to show you how it works. I'm not saying that everyone should start doing this, but if your eyes are like mine, or starting to get that way, or, if you have viewers who you think would rather hear your post than read it, this may be for you.

Listen To This Post

Here's my Blog converted by Odiogo.

Another great benefit of Odiogo, is that your Blog Posts can be downloaded, and listened to later. You can't do that with just the written typed word. The thing I like best about Odiogo, is that it takes literally seconds to convert your Blog posts to "Audio Podcasts." Just enter your email address, then your Blog URL, and they email you the page that contains an RSS Feed, and another page with all your posts converted to audio. Literally seconds, and you're done. Give it a try, the voice is pretty clear and understandable. It's easy to use, and just as most services and tools I post about, it's absolutely FREE.
Listen to an almost Human Voice read this post:

To use these individual players and converted audio files on your Blog posts, (like the ones seen below), you will need to view the Odiogo page source of your converted posts, find the one that goes to your specific Blog post, then cut and paste the code using the HTML tab on your AR Blog post. I know this may be a lot to digest for some, but as always, you know I'm here to help. Give it a try, see what you think, I'm posting this because I made a promise to a few members that I would. Test out the players below, and see how it sounds converting my last few posts into audio files for playback.

Odiogo.com, where "Saying It, is as simple as Playing It!" (I just made that up by the way...LOL...I mean, laugh out loud. hahaha)

300 - Where Will You Be for #300 on ActiveRain? Click Link for Details
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Download MP3

LinkedIn Becomes More than A Profile -or- The On-Line Resume' Click Link for Details
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Download MP3

Your Social Media User Name - Is It Too Late? Click Link for Details
Friday, October 31, 2008
Download MP3

Bloggers: Sign up now for Odiogo and make your textual content podcast-ready - It's FREE!

Copyright Laws and You - Here's All You'll EVER Need To Know

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:46:04 -0600

I just got off the phone with Lenn Harley, one of our ActiveRain resident members and experts on the topic of Copyright, and I am excited to tell you, she'll be joining us, (The AR Staff) ";Live"; this Thursday on Rain Radio. Lenn has even contacted her attorney, Paul Thaler, ESQ. from International Square in Washington DC to join us. We'll have as many answers as we can, to as many of the questions you may have. Copyright, plagiarism, cut and paste emails, screen captures, jokes, recipes, clip-art, logos, cartoon photos, and anything else you can possibly think of. This is a rare, one time shot to get your questions answered by an Attorney, and an expert who knows the laws, and your rights.

Have Your Computer Read The Rest...

I hope all of our members will participate by either listening in, or calling in to learn and discuss this really important topic. We are trying to clean up the community and at the same time, help protect our members and friends. After an extensive conversation with Lenn just the other day, I can't begin to tell you how important this is to us all. Lenn made it a point to contact Paul to clarify a few questions we both had regarding email, screen shots, and photos, I was shocked by some of the copyright laws. You might be too. We'll be sharing this information with anyone who is interested. It's important to know how this can, and will affect you now, and in the future. I know for a few members, it already has.

The AR RAIN RADIO Broadcast is this Thursday, November 13th, at 11:00am PDT. It's a one hour Talk-Show, and it will cover everything you ever wanted to know about the Copyright Laws, violations, and the repercussions of what happens if or when you get caught. You can either use the "Live" chat, you can phone in and ask questions, or you can just listen in as we breakdown these COPYRIGHT LAWS into bite size and understandable pieces. What questions are most important to YOU, I'd love to share them on the air? If you have to miss this broadcast, I'll try and post the show here after, as I'm sure we'll be referring many here in the future.

The phone number to call in is:

Call-in Number: (347) 677-1643

Here's the Website To Chat or Just Listen In

About Paul Thaler:

";In 2000, Mr. Thaler successfully litigated a case of first impression in the Commonwealth of Virginia concerning the ownership of an Internet domain name."; This was Lenn's case. Thank you Lenn and Paul for doing this for us, and for helping out the ActiveRain Community and the On-Line Internet World. I'm Looking forward to a fantastic hour with you both, and finally bringing some clarity to this very hot topic. We're honored that you would both take the time out of your busy day to share this hour with us. Thanks.

Related Post: Copyright-Is-It-Clear-Are-We-Safe
Copyright Image Source: Courtesy of UTMEM

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

EDITED and UPDATED 11/13/08
Recorded From Today's Broadcast

If you missed today's show, and want answers to some of these questions, just click play on the image below. I want to thank Lenn Harley and Paul Thaler for their time today, and for sharing their wealth of information and knowledge with us all.

Here's some of the questions we covered today:

Can I cut and Paste Jokes, Recipes, Cartoons etc?

Can I use Youtube’s embed codes on my site? Are Links ok?

What is Creative Commons Licensing?

Can I record a video or audio of a performer and post it or use the music on my own production?

Can I do a screen capture or use snagit, and then post about it using the image I’ve captured?
(many of us use these for tutorials etc.)

How much text is considered a legal snippet from the original author?

I subscribe to a service that provides Newsletters, Reports, Graphs, Market Statistics – can these be posted?

Link backs and source – attribution. What’s required?

What Is Public Domain?

Are quotes from people OK to use just with the Authors name? EX: Quotes by famous people?

Are we allowed to copy images from Google Earth - to use as MLS photos or on our websites?

What are the fines and repercussions of copyright infringement?

How do we protect our images and works from plagiarism? Copyright.gov

What’s required to protect my Blog, My emails, My photos, and my originally authored content?

How do you know when someone has violated YOUR copyrights?

How do you track it?

Here's answers to these questions and others that were addressed today on our broadcast. I hope you'll find this information useful and valuable. The benefits of knowing this stuff about copyright laws will help keep our network and community protected, and help keep YOU out of court and settlements.

LinkedIn Becomes More than A Profile -or- The On-Line Resume'

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:56:19 -0600

Here's a post that I just couldn't resist. LinkedIn.com has announced some really cool new features to their site. Up until now, I think many have just considered this site to be a place to have a profile, an on-line resume', or the place to be if you're anybody in any business. I think most members on ActiveRain are probably on LinkedIn already, and if not, should be.

Just today, I have already incorporated two of their new features to my LinkedIn profile which is now a syndicated site to host my Blogs and other more useful information. I just added the ability to have posts from my various Blogs show up right on the profile. Check out BlogLink. You can even have Google Docs and presentations there.

Here's some of the other items they've added that you can include:

Box: Collaborate and share files with your friends and network.

Huddle: Create private work areas to share projects.

Amazon: Find out what the rest of your network is reading.

TripIt: Check out and follow your traveling network.

SixApart: Keep up to date with your networks latest posts.

Google Docs: Add and embed presentations on your profile page.

SlideShare: View, comment, and share presentations.

WordPress: Promote your latest WordPress Posts.

CompanyBuzz: See what others are saying about your Company.

I haven't had the chance to setup and try or test all of these yet, but at least we know that LinkedIn is trying hard to become more than just a place to host your Resume' and Profile. They've built that reputation to some extent, and now looks like they might be trying and live up to the their name instead. LinkedIn.

I personally like what they've done. That means this post should appear on my LinkedIn profile now. (once you're logged in) Don't forget to add YOUR AR Blogs there too.

See all their new "Featured Applications"

Copyright - Is It Clear? Are We Safe?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:00:54 -0600

When you see a Police Car ahead, and you're speeding, don't you slow down? Hopefully Harlen will have that same impact and affect as he travels around and throughout the Network. I have heard he's already making a dent on AR. His presence alone here should make a difference, knowing he's lurking in the shadows.

This post is in response to a thread of comments I read yesterday; The Active Rain Police: So now what, everyone gets booted? Posts like Gregory Lohr's prove that the word is out, and that the message is starting to go Viral. Carolyn Tann has also written a post in the Club Chaos Group and even emailed the members regarding this topic as well. It all stemmed from this announcement that Harlen had arrived on the scene.

Is the message clear? Members want Clarity and Answers.

Lenn Harley, as witnessed in the comments of Greg's post, is very well versed in the area of copyright laws and violations. Still not clear on Copyright? Just go read Lenn's Blog and all her posts on the topic. She's a great resource for what you can and can't do. Also review http://www.copyright.gov

IN A NUT SHELL:

The idea of posting jokes, poems and recipes etc. is fine, it's your Blog, just don't copy and paste or plagiarize others sites and other authors material. Create your own. Be an author, not a copycat. It's OK to take a small snippet, then add a link to the original source, but then write about it in your own words. How much of a snippet is acceptable? Great question. I would never use more than a sentence or two max, just to be safe. (That's just my opinion, not sure it's a Harlen, Lenn, or copyright law)

Pictures, Graphics, Images, Screen Shots, Logos, Art work? Simple, don't use them unless they're yours, or you paid for them. Make sure you clearly understand the rules and copyright laws of the sites that offer them (questionably) for FREE. Just be safe and not sorry.

ARE WE SAFE?

As far as Harlan and his role here, my understanding is that he is going through ALL Blog posts, both NEW and OLD trying to help clean up our network. All he's requesting is that you go through your own Blog, and clean it up. If you don't, the penalties here are pretty stiff. CRUSH PLAGIARISM!

One reason is to protect you, our member. In my opinion, it's better that you find your posts before Harlan does, and it's even better if Harlen finds these posts, before the original authors do, wouldn't you agree? Have you seen some of these fines? OMG!

Secondly, asking members to go through their own Blog posts and clean them up is alot easier and faster than Harlen trying to go through all of them himself. You're helping him, he's helping you.

Thirdly, this effort makes our Community and Network a much better place and resource. We want to provide ONLY original content for our visitors. We get over 7,000,000 visits per month. This adds Value and Integrity to the network, and it keeps our traffic coming back while at the same time referring us to others.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

One last important issue to consider about copyrighted material, you need to make sure you are copyright protecting your own content too. Our members produce some of the best stuff on the Web, and we need to make sure we're protecting our own content as well. Cleaning up our Blogs is a much easier process than going out there and trying to find out who has violated us in the same manner. Shouldn't we be just as concerned about who's stealing our stuff? Yes. Check out Copyscape.com, I see many members use this site for their AR and other Blogs.

I see a day coming soon when we will have to change Harlen's role on AR because he will eventually help Crush Plagiarism here. Then we'll give him additional tasks like Smashing Spam, and Deleting Gamers etc. Help us give Harlen that new role as soon as possible, clean up your Blogs, and get rid of anything that's not yours. It should be clear as day! Keep Blogs safe, stay clear of Harlen and the Copyright Police.

Photo Image Courtesy of FreeFoto.com: Thank you for using FreeFoto.com. Please remember to give attribution and a link back to this site. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License Image Reference: 04-04-12

Your Social Media User Name - Is It Too Late?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:00:38 -0500

Seems there is always something new to be learned and discovered. Twitter, FriendFeed, Online Webinars, the Information is flying around the WEB 2.0 World at high speeds and at high altitudes, but if you try to grab on to some of this stuff, it's amazing what you can learn from being connected to these Social Media Networking and Marketing platforms. At todays webinar, we discussed your "User Names" and how they should be selected and used on the web. A great site was mentioned that will search your name on multiple sites to see if it's available. So why is this important?

The questions?

Is it too late? Does someone else already have your user name or do you? What should your user name be? Your real name or a company? Should it be your name with a title? IE: BradRealtor? Maybe a memorable slogan, or a cool phrase? I can tell you this, when I forget anything about anybody, I just Google their name. I think I even do this sub-consciously. Today, it was suggested to lock up your "real name" to be used as your "Brand", and to capture that "name recognition" you deserve. Who will find you? Google will, your family will, your friends and neighbors will, and the people who search you out when your name comes up in certain circles will too. Let me explain...

It's Your Name. What's In A Name?

Referral business for one. If someone refers you to another person, how do they do it? Your nick name, your company, your slogan or your catch-phrase? No. IMHO, I think in most cases people use other peoples names. Real names. If I'm at dinner with friends, and you mention someone to me like Mary McCormick and her awesome site, I would probably remember her name before I would remember her site at: RealEstateLuxuryHomesInFlorida.com. So what would I do when I got back home? I'd Google her name. How about you; would you ever do a search for ActiveBrad? Exactly....

A Possible Tool $ Solution!

UserNameCheck.com is a website that can search many of the social networks and social media platforms. It searches sites to see where you can Brand your name, and snag it before someone else does. Now I'm not saying you should go join all these sites, but do take stock in the ones you feel are beneficial to you, your on-line presence or your business.

So now you're just one click away from making some important decisions... should I be using my real name and which places should I be doing it? (seriously pondering right now...) Will people search me as Brad Andersohn or ActiveBrad or my former TheEscrowGuy? Hmmm... guess I have the same dilemma as some of you...crap, I hate when this happens. LOL~

Right Now, you're probably realizing like I am, that in some cases, it may be too late to change, even if your user name is available. The Google placement and SEO you've gained to this point, might not be worth losing...or is it??? It's like the same dilemma you have when deciding to change a phone number, or an email address. What user name are you using on the Web, and is it getting you the best possible results?

Hopefully this post will catch some of you before it's too late....one way or the other.

Who Is ActiveRain's Jeff Corbett - The XBroker?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:40:13 -0500

Today I had the pleasure of having some fun with our very own Jeff Corbett. At the last minute, I tricked him to coming on the RAIN Radio broadcast so we could chat about business and social media stuff. What Jeff Corbett didn't know is that prior to going "Live", I placed a few calls today to arrange for a couple surprises. This was a kick! I'm only posting this because it was like "This Is Your Life" remember that program from years ago where they brought family and friends on the show to surprise guests, (some here may be too young to remember). Jeff Corbett is a really bright guy with a huge history and background in many segments of this Industry. He's really is a very sharp guy, and he spills the beans on the air today!

Will the REAL Jeff Corbett please stand up?

I think we surprised Jeff C. today when I invited Jeff Turner to join us on the line.

So What do Jeff Corbett and Jeff Turner Have in Common?

You'll have to click "PLAY" to find out...

What did Ines have to say about Jeff joining AR and about the mysterious XBroker?

You'll just have to listen to the show for the details on that one. I took the Liberty to have a little fun with Jeff today and initiate him ActiveRain style. I for one, am happy he's on board. I think he brings a whole new element of excitement to our team and the AR family, (even though he's been around since the beginning) and I'm really stoked that Jeff is part of our staff now. Welcome aboard my friend.

Thanks Jeff, I really enjoyed our chat with friends on R.A.I.N today. So tell me, is there really a mask? :-O

Want to know more about Jeff Corbett? Take a Listen!

☂ ActiveRain at REBarCamp - "LIVE" Updates and "Real-Time" Feeds ☚

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:20:04 -0500

Follow us and enjoy what's going on in Houston Texas at the REBarCamp this year. We'll be posting Audio, Photos, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos, Links, and Updates in up-to-the-minute, real time "LIVE" feeds to this post. I'm including the Utterli Widget, UStream.TV Widget, and Twitter to keep you informed of all that's happening at this event.

Rich and I will be sharing as much as we can with you regarding the items of value and use of the information we learn and share with others. I hope you'll take the time to check back here and see what we've posted. There will be other members reporting and posting as well, so I'll try and keep this post updated with links to their sites and Blogs as well.

SO HAVE SOME FUN, and COME FOLLOW US at REBARCAMP:

Click Play To Start Audio, Photos & Videos

Follow us on Twitter, Use #REBC to post or just Follow using this Widget

Video From Various Locations in Houston Texas - This is Entertainment! LOL

Join Us "LIVE" from Houston Texas - Show Starts Oct. 22, 2008 @ 9:00am EST

Video clips at Ustream Thanks to WEB 2.0 technology, we are able to provide you information and insight as to what takes place at these events, and do it right here "LIVE" in a single post. How Cool, Enjoy! :-)

Here a "LIVE" Broadcast on RAIN Radio

ActiveRain @ REBarCamp - Knocking on the Doors of Opportunity

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:38:06 -0500

What is an REBarCamp? Why Would I want To Go?
Who Is Going To Be There? How Will This Benefit Me or My Business?
What Are The Topics? Where's it at? How Much Will It Cost?

The Door is Unlocked

Knock on the door of your choice to find out more about REBarCamp. You only get one choice so make it a good one. This is not "Let's Make A Deal" or the "Knock Knock Game", this is YOUR chance to see if "keys" to Industry Secrets and WEB 2.0 Successes lie behind these unlocked doors. Activerain is taking the show on the road and hopes you'll come join us this year. So what's it gonna be? Door One, Two, or Three?

When certain doors of opportunity open for you, take full advantage of it, the rewards can be immeasurable!

ActiveBrad's "TOP FREE Picks" - 2008

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:29:51 -0500

ChicagoAgentMagazine.com who also runs MiamiAgentMagazine.com contacted me last week, they wanted to know if I would write an article for their magazines this week. Zipporah Porton, Senior Editor, asked for Active Brad’s Top FREE sites or web-tools for REALTORS®. WOW! That's a BIG task. There are so many FREE websites and applications on the WEB, I felt writing an article like this would be somewhat challenging. I do love a good challenge, so here's what I came up with. These are all sites I have personally seen, used and recommended to others in and out of the rain this past year.

TOP FREE Picks for 2008

Here's a link to the Published Article (PDF)

Since these Magazines obviously don't have links (though they might in the future) I decided to post links to all the sites listed in the article. I even threw in a few extras for all my AR friends. Yes, this took hours to complete, but don't ask me how many. It has taken me all year to build this list, here are my top 150 plus.

Social Networks	Social Bookmarks	Photo Host - Editing	Video Hosting	Web Blog Tracking
ActiveRain Localism LinkedIn FaceBook Naymz FriendFeed Plaxo	Diigo AddThis ShareThis Technorati SocialMarker StumbleUpon Del.icio.us Digg	Flickr PhotoBucket Picasa KodakGallery Picnik ImageShack PhotoLava	Google Video WellcomeMat Viddler YouTube Vimeo VEOH Zipvo	Clustermaps Sitemeter StatCounter Websitegrader Google Analytics MyBlogLog Who'sAmongUs
Online Publishing Issuu.com	Blog Text to Podcast OdioGo	Screen Capture SnagIt	Questions? Answers! ChaCha.com	Research Name UserNameCheck
Photos and Images	Blogging Sites	FREE TV	Graphic Tools	BONUS SITES
FreePhotos FreeFoto Public-photos Public pictures PicApp FreePhotos.se PDPhoto.org FreeGraphics.org FreeDigitalPhotos	ActiveRain Localism Wordpress Blogger InmanNews RealTown MyStreet Trulia Zillow	FreeTVonline Hulu ABC & CBS Streamick ChannelKing TV-Video.net	QuickRibbon ImageChef Glittermaker LogoMaker SignGenerator	SearchMe PayPal AnnualCreditReport WifiFREESpot Speaking Avatar Retaggr BirthdayAlarm Switchboard HitTail

Voice To Text	Audio Editor	MP3 Downloads	Google Tools	Animated Signatures
Jott	Audacity	MP3DownloadZone	Google	TextGifs MyLiveSignature

Animated Gifs	Wiki’s	FREE Software	PDF Convertor	Text Messaging
GifAnimations	PBwiki	Tucows	PrimoPDF	Txt2day

Calls and Text Msgs	Internet Radio	Video Messaging	Business Tools	Chat Tools
Jaxtr Skype 811.com	BlogTalkRadio Stickam	Seesmic Eyejot	GoogleDocs OpenOffice CollectiveX	Meebo iChat

Podcasting	Photo Slide Shows	Widgets	Voting and Polling	FREE Websites
MyPodcast Hipcast PodBean Gcast	Slide RockYou Animoto Photobucket	Widget World WidgetBox ClassifiedAds Widget GoogleGadgets	Polldaddy GlowDay BraveNet	Bravenet agent.point2 Squidoo Wix

Micro Blogging	FREE Music	Zip Code Info & Stats	FREE task Manager	HTML Guide
Twitter BlipFM Tumblr	Shoutcast Live365 Actionext LastFM	ZipCodeStats ZipSkinny	RememberTheMilk	W3Schools HTMLGoodies CodeTutorial

Flyer Programs	FREE Email	Amusement Stuff	Mapping Apps	Subscribing Apps
Postlets vFlyer ClassifiedFlyerAds Craigslist GuruRealEstate	Gmail – Google Yahoo – Yahoo Hotmail – MSN	FreeKidsColoring Meez PhoneSpell.org	Google Earth MobileMaps Multiple Locations RandMcNally HousingMaps	Feedburner FeedBlitz

Blogging Tools	Blogging Tips	News Community	Web Marketing	Copyright
SEOBook	Blogging Tips	Topix	SEOSentro	Copyscape
SEOChat	CopyBlogger	TheOnion PRWeb	REELseo
WebConfs	Problogger	Trade Publications	FREE Lookups	Reverse Directory
SEOmoz	DailyBlogTips	TradePub	MelissaData	SearchPhone
SEOCompany	BlogSessive			AnyWho
HitTail
Search Widgets	Logo Design	Web Browsers	RSS Feed & Read	How To ActiveRain
BlogBar	LogoDesignWeb	Firefox	Grazr	Tutorials
Google Search	LogoMaker	Flock	RSSFeedReader	Help & FAQ
	LogoDesignEngine	Google Chrome	Google Reader

Site Comparison	Language Translator	Link Enhancement	Blog & Site Rating	Blog Editor
Compete HitWise Alexa Page Rank Checker	Babel Fish Google Translator FREE Translator	Snapshots Apture	TopBlogArea BlogTopLists TopOfBlogs TopSites	ScribeFire Nvu - Kompozer Windows Live Writer
FREE Listing Sites Craigslist Zillow Pressmania	FREE Listing Sites Submittheoffer Hotpads	FREE Listing Sites Listingvue Iggyshouse	FREE Listing Sites Backpage Kijiji	FREE Listing Sites Rapidlistings Realbird Findlistings
Open House List Onlyopenhouses	Condo Listings Newcondosonline	Computer Utilities Ccleaner iObit	Anti - Spyware AdAware	Video Distribution TubeMog

DISCLAIMER: All these sites are FREE. Many Websites and Blog sites have certain restrictions or limitations, some of these sites and tools MAY NOT necessarily work on ALL Networks, Platforms, Websites, Blogs or Browsers. Explore and Experiment at your own risk, but the most important thing.... Enjoy!

"The Extinction of Money" or "Tips For Buyers"

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:52:08 -0500

Normally I would have announced this RAIN Radio show before it took place, but this one just snuck up so quick, it bit me right in the you know what, so I thought I better get this out there today. Why? It was a good one. We had one of our very own rainers, Janet Guilbault as our special guest today talking about the mortgage crisis. Now wait! Don't stop there, just because this topic has been beat to death, Janet answers some great questions that you might find useful for some of your clients in your area.

They included:

1. Can you name some of the loan programs that have literally gone extinct or become frozen as a result of the mortgage crisis?
2. How has this impacted the average home-buyer who would like to buy a house in this market?
3. How has this impacted the average homeowner refinancing?
4. How much do you think the difficulty of getting financing has impacted the value of real estate?
5. Who are the winners and who are the losers from the crisis?
6. Do you have tips for buyers to increase their chances of approval?
7. Name some pitfalls that people may be unaware of in terms of qualifying?
8. What is the biggest mistake made when applying for a mortgage?
9. What about people who have loans that are adjusting…are they in trouble now?
10. What can REALTORS® do to make certain clients can be approved?
11. Should a seller insist on something more than the standard pre-approval letter before they accept an offer?
12. What sign will there be when things begin to “thaw out”?
13. Do you see any of the loan programs returning?
14. Are things going to get better or worse by the end of the year?
15. Why would someone want to move forward now, as opposed to “waiting to see what happens”?

I didn't post all her answers, we all know how long this post would be if I did, so I included a link where you can listen to today's broadcast. This was one of the better BlogTalk shows in my opinion because we covered all these questions and then some. Take a listen if you have time or if you're just curious to see what Janet had to say, again, some of this information might be useful to you and some of your clients.

ActiveRain and Your NEW Twitter Settings

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:02:35 -0500

Mark this day as another that will go down in History as an "AWESOME NEW FEATURE" added to the ActiveRain Network. We have added and are rolling out Twitter auto-feeds for your AR Blog posts. If you have a Twitter account already, you can set yours up now. If you don't, you'll need to go to Twitter.com and set one up. It will take less than a minute.

What is Twitter? It's micro-blogging. "Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length. Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The sender can restrict delivery to those in his or her circle of friends (delivery to everyone being the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, instant messaging, SMS, RSS, email or through an application such as Twitterrific or Facebook. Several third parties offer posting and receiving updates via email."

Setting Up Twitter on ActiveRain:

The process for setting up your Twitter Account on ActiveRain will literally take you 10 seconds.

Click On "My Home" at top of this page

Click on the "My Settings" link on left side of page

Scroll down to "Twitter Setup" and enter your info

Put in your Twitter user name and password, Click Update

When you create a new post now (if enabled), Twitter will automatically place an announcement in your twitter feed and profile including the Title of the post as well as a link to your post. We are looking at adding an option on the "New Post" page that allows you to select which posts you want to tweet. Now go post in the rain, and let the outside world and your followers know. You can follow me on Twitter here: Follow ActiveBrad

Here are some other Twitter related sites you may be interested in checking out. Enjoy this new feature, it will certainly drive more traffic to your Blog posts and it's so easy to use.

Twitter Apps - Twitter 3rd Party Apps

Twitstat - Real time Twitter Analytics

TwitPic - Stores Photos Taken from Phone

TWhirl - Another Twitter Use Interface

Twitterrific - For your iPhone or Smart Phone

For More - Go to Twitter Fan Wiki

Enjoying The "Journey" of Lifetime!

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:16:05 -0500

Last week, I had the chance to take my family to go see Cheap Trick, Heart, and Journey at the Pavilion. Talk about a flash-back from the eighties. WOW! What really made this show and evening so special, were my kids getting to see some of the musical talents of bands and friends that my wife and I have grown up with over the years. Music and people that were/are a huge part of our lives, and that shaped our memories and future.

The evening was full of surprises for my kids, it was a night they'll never forget as long as they live!

Cheap Trick Opens the Show with Nothing but Their Classics

Heart Takes us Back Through Time and Down Memory Lane

Journey Takes us on the "Journey" of an Unforgettable Evening

After the show, Jonathan invited us backstage so the family could meet and greet the band. I can't even begin to tell you what an impact this had on our kids. Getting to meet him finally, along with Neal Schon, Arnel Pineda and Ross Valory was not only a dream come true for them, it was the most inspirational moment of their lives. You should have seen their faces. You could see the stars and dreams unfolding right in their eyes. Life for them this night, was much more than just a fantasy, it was surreal. I put together a photo collage so they can enjoy and remember this night forever. Hope you'll enjoy it too. :-)

These are some of the shots we were able to get from our seats. The sound was awesome and the performances were incredible, it was a night we're glad we didn't miss. Great seats too, 10 rows back.

We want to thank our friends from Heart, Cheap Trick and Journey for an unprecedented evening, and especially Jonathan Cain for making it all possible, and for making the entire concert experience spectacular from beginning to end. Our family had the best time ever, Thanks Again. :-) If you EVER get the chance to see Journey "Live", they are a MUST see. They are simply incredible. Arnel Pineda is every bit as good as Steve Perry or better, and their live performance is just sensational!

We're forever your fans and friends...Faithfully!

We have some awesome videos and audio recorded, that any of you are welcome to see and hear, so come on over to our place sometime, but I do respect the copyright laws and these fine musicians enough to avoid the temptation of posting them here on my Blog. (It's Killing me though ...LOL) Instead, I endorse and suggest you go out and buy Journey's newest CD "Revelation!" You won't be disappointed. :-)

New Members - Video Explanations - Social Media, Blogging & MORE!

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:00:45 -0500

There are so many things to learn once you join ActiveRain. How to create links, add photos, use HTML, don't spam or hijack, add video etc., not to mention Channels, ReBlogging, Outside Blogs, Localism and the Referral Network just to name a few. It's no wonder some of our new members and visitors get a bit overwhelmed in the beginning.

In this post, I am hoping to help YOU understand some of the concepts of what these things are, and why they are here, before you dive head first into ActiveRain's Social Networking and Blogging Forum. Then there is all the other stuff you can learn about here. RSS, Wiki's, Twitter, Flickr and so on. You will frequently see and hear many of these words and terms in your Journey here on AR.

No matter where you are in the process of learning all this stuff, there will be something below that you may need or want to know more about. I am using "Video Explanations" as a resourse to try and explain many areas of Social Media, Networking, and Blogging etc. It's "Plain English" and in simple, easy to understand terms.

These are some Commoncraft Videos and others created to share the following insights with you. I hope this will help our newer members get a better understanding of why and how to use Social Networking, WEB 2.0, Activerain, and other social media platforms to their benefit. My goal: To create the desire and reason for you to "Get Started" in your efforts here.

Social Media & Networking

What is Social Media - What is it really all about? - SEE VIDEO

What is Social Networking - Do I need to to be doing this? - SEE VIDEO

What is a BLOG - What's the BIG DEAL? - SEE VIDEO

Over 50 Million Blogs - How Do I keep Up? What is RSS? - SEE VIDEO

Web Search Strategies and Why "Keywords" are important - SEE VIDEO

Micro-Blogging - Real Time Updates and Marketing on Twitter - SEE VIDEO

Social Sharing & Collaboration

Social Bookmarking - Why not just use my browser? - SEE VIDEO

Using and Sharing Documents - Will this work on a Blog? - SEE VIDEO

My Gads - A Sharing tool For the Real Estate Industry - SEE VIDEO

Social Photo Sharing - What is the benefit of that? - SEE VIDEO

Tools and Tech Stuff

Google Maps on your Phone - Will this help my Business? - SEE VIDEO

Should I be Podcasting - Who is this for and why? - SEE VIDEO

Wiki Wiki - What is a Wiki? - SEE VIDEO

PR Web - Are you getting your news releases out? - SEE VIDEO

So Why Should I be on ActiveRain? - SEE VIDEO

Now that you have a better idea of what type of information is available here and what the new Social Media and Marketing WEB 2.0 Platform is all about, be sure to check out the "Getting Started" link here on AR so you can jump right into the "Rain" and start getting your feet wet!

Here's Some More How -To Post's For New Members - Wishing you all the best in your WEB 2.0 Journey.

Feel free to check out my ActiveRain Outside Blog Too, You'll find more posts like this there. :-)

Is This Really 1929 - 2.0?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:09:34 -0500

Some financial pundits are hailing this last week's bailouts, bankruptcies and market crash as the most significant since 1929. Former investment banker Pat Kitano will be on Rain Radio today at 11:00am PDT, to sort out the two opposing theories on the market - is this the beginning of Financial Armageddon or is this the massive market cleansing process that investors have been waiting for so that we can call it a bottom? Come join us today on BTR and RainRadio to hear Pat "Voice" his views on everything from 1929 - 2.0 to the Bailouts and economic forcast and future of our great nation.

Click Here To Join Us

To Ask Questions LIVE

Call-in Number: (347) 677-1643

Pat is an ActiveRain Member, also with Transparent RE. Pat is currently co-Founder, Managing Principal of Domus Consulting Group, a management consulting firm working with real estate brokerages, media/publishing companies, and Web 2.0 companies to develop social media strategies, and with venture investors on new business models. He's a regular speaker and commentator on real estate industry and technology issues and is always on the lookout for a "transparency" angle. Since graduating from Cal Berkeley (Geophysics) and Columbia University (MBA), he's been involved in four competitive industries - films, investment banking, internet technology and real estate.

Pat has been helping to put on the Social Media Networking and Marketing Webinars for many of our ActiveRain members. His Blog, Transparent Real Estate covers strategy, innovation, economy, intelligence, and technology. Our webinars take place every Friday morning at 9:00am PDT and 12:00pm EST.

"Domus Consulting Group is a leader in the development of a new social media platform they simply call the “Social Media System“. This system enables companies, organizations and groups to create powerful effective social networks WITHOUT REQUIRING THEIR PARTICIPANTS TO BLOG. Using various popular applications like Twitter and Friendfeed, and bookmarking tools like del.icio.us, our Social Media System facilitates real time news wires. We developed the System because blogging can be challenging, but participating in the various social media is easy and fun." Pat Kitano

For upcoming future shows, or to hear any previous shows on RAIN Radio, you can listen to all our past guests and archived broadcasts at BTR. We really are trying to make a difference, just one voice at a time.

Active Brads Blog

Twitter Gone Wild! - Rated T

Social Media Networking - Welcome To The Matrix

Convert Your Blog To Audio in 60 Seconds

I've noticed the fonts on many Blog Posts are getting larger these days.

Copyright Laws and You - Here's All You'll EVER Need To Know

Call-in Number: (347) 677-1643

Here's the Website To Chat or Just Listen In

EDITED and UPDATED 11/13/08 Recorded From Today's Broadcast

Here's some of the questions we covered today:

LinkedIn Becomes More than A Profile -or- The On-Line Resume'

Copyright - Is It Clear? Are We Safe?

Is the message clear? Members want Clarity and Answers.

IN A NUT SHELL:

ARE WE SAFE?

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Your Social Media User Name - Is It Too Late?

The questions?

It's Your Name. What's In A Name?

A Possible Tool $ Solution!

Who Is ActiveRain's Jeff Corbett - The XBroker?

Will the REAL Jeff Corbett please stand up?

☂ ActiveRain at REBarCamp - "LIVE" Updates and "Real-Time" Feeds ☚

SO HAVE SOME FUN, and COME FOLLOW US at REBARCAMP:

Click Play To Start Audio, Photos & Videos

Follow us on Twitter, Use #REBC to post or just Follow using this Widget

Video From Various Locations in Houston Texas - This is Entertainment! LOL

Join Us "LIVE" from Houston Texas - Show Starts Oct. 22, 2008 @ 9:00am EST

Here a "LIVE" Broadcast on RAIN Radio

ActiveRain @ REBarCamp - Knocking on the Doors of Opportunity

What is an REBarCamp? Why Would I want To Go? Who Is Going To Be There? How Will This Benefit Me or My Business? What Are The Topics? Where's it at? How Much Will It Cost?

The Door is Unlocked

ActiveBrad's "TOP FREE Picks" - 2008

TOP FREE Picks for 2008

"The Extinction of Money" or "Tips For Buyers"

ActiveRain and Your NEW Twitter Settings

Enjoying The "Journey" of Lifetime!

New Members - Video Explanations - Social Media, Blogging & MORE!

Social Media & Networking

Social Sharing & Collaboration

Tools and Tech Stuff

So Why Should I be on ActiveRain? - SEE VIDEO

Is This Really 1929 - 2.0?

To Ask Questions LIVE

Call-in Number: (347) 677-1643

EDITED and UPDATED 11/13/08
Recorded From Today's Broadcast

What is an REBarCamp? Why Would I want To Go?
Who Is Going To Be There? How Will This Benefit Me or My Business?
What Are The Topics? Where's it at? How Much Will It Cost?