Interesting things happening at AR and G alert...

[metaylor9]

Some props are due there for this community...

I second that. REW is a great community that has both authority and respect by not allowing all that spam. I think Morgan is right, if AR doesn't clean up their act it only a matter of time B4 they get penalized.

[webmaster]

What it comes down to is this - do you want signups, or do you want members

Many social networking sites get in because they think, hey if I can generate enough of a user base, I can sell it. That is the wrong thinking - one should only build a social networking website, if there is a working model behind it that can be eventually self sufficient, and does not require a huge influx of capital. But really when you think about it true social networking is not about direct dollars.

I supposed I am at an advantage as I employ one of the largest web development staffs in Canada, but still - The $ required to create a great social networking platform is not all that much - a kick ass set of servers and typically (For startups) your own time and energy in coding and design.

A lot of people have said "AR would need to sell one day due to recouping costs" what costs? I could program most of AR in a day, and with what they allow users to do, they can't have any more than a couple grand worth of servers. - They certainly didn't need 30 million to cover their investment.

Some props are due there for this community...

It would be EASY to let any and everybody in and have no rules...but anarchy is a gutless choice on the web and it makes your online asset worth less (and evertually worthless...).

I agree that AR could be more and do more with some policing and self discipline.

Morgan was a little ahead of his time in thinking that through and avoiding the ready. fire. aim. mentality that seems to have gripped much of social networking today. It is a difficult balance to keep IMO.

Best;

Eric

[jessiesc]

Drat,

This post got picked up by g alert. Ugh

[Eric Blackwell]

Exactly. Many DO in fact OVER capitalize. Many more do not construct a SOLID social structure that builds MEMBERSHIP (well said, IMO Morgan)...they are solely focusing on the clicks...typically IMO, this is myopic and neglects the true mission at hand...

Your point about a working model behind it is WELL made as well...

EDIT: Further thought: Your exit strategy should NOT be an EXIT.

Best.

Eric

Many social networking sites get in because they think, hey if I can generate enough of a user base, I can sell it. That is the wrong thinking - one should only build a social networking website, if there is a working model behind it that can be eventually self sufficient, and does not require a huge influx of capital. But really when you think about it true social networking is not about direct dollars.

...The $ required to create a great social networking platform is not all that much - a kick ass set of servers and typically (For startups) your own time and energy in coding and design. ...

[svrpaul]

I second that. REW is a great community that has both authority and respect by not allowing all that spam. I think Morgan is right, if AR doesn't clean up their act it only a matter of time B4 they get penalized.

I came across this FEATURED POST www. activerain.com/ blogsview/ 252900/What-Happened-To-Realtor , took a look at the profile and thought about this thread.