In your "Starter Kit" is everything you'll need to get started here on ActiveRain.
Take your time and read through each post in the order they are listed below, this will save you hours
of frustration, anxiety, and that feeling of being overwhelmed when you first join our community.
Welcome aboard!
Before You Begin:
It's Important to understand what ActiveRain is, how it works, and what's expected.
The Terms of Service may be a little dry, but this is a "must read" for every member.
The 10 Guiding principles and philosophy of our network and community.
How do you become a RainMaker on ActiveRain?
The "RainMaker" Membership
This details of RainMaker Memberships are detailed here.
Now Take the Video Tour of ActiveRain.
Learn To Navigate ALL the areas available in our community.
Understanding The Point System and How to Become the Featured Member in your area.
Getting Started in 3 Easy Steps
Now you're ready to get started. Follow these next steps to get setup on ActiveRain.
Creating a personal profile is the very first step and the most important. This is where members and visitors will go to see and find out all about you. Make sure you take the time to setup your profile correctly, it's important and it's easy.
Your profile has three areas that will allow you to maximize it's potential. It's better than a website.
Now you are ready to go into your settings and customize ActiveRain how you want it.
Setting Up Your ActiveRain Blog
Before you create your first Post on your Blog, here's a few tips to help you do it right.
Now you're ready to write your first entry, get the most out of your first post.
(Don't be afraid and stop now, this is why you're here!)
What are ActiveRain Channels and how you should use them.
Making your Blog personalized and unique is what differentiates you from other members.
Change background, headers, colors and more.
ActiveRain offers FREE Outside Blogs in addition to the one you've just created.
Individual / Group Outside Blogs and Domains are also now available.
Use the ActiveRain Listing Router to direct Visitors and Traffic to your IDX site
Setting Up Your Outside ActiveBlogs
This will help you understand the value, the benefits and how to setup Outside AR Blogs.
Many members have created their own outside AR Blogs.
Creating your own individual or outside Blog on ActiveRain is easy.
Customizing your outside Blog and adding widgets you need.
Some key points and facts to know about your Outside Blog.
Additional Tips, Tools, and Things You Should or Might Want to Know
You are now ready to advance to some of the more powerful tools available here for you.
Some Advanced SEO Tools and Information
What is SEO and How to maximize it on ActiveRain
There will be more posts added here as they become available. If you need any assistance or have any issues at all, please contact your ActiveRain support Team at support@activerain.com or just click on this link to "Contact ActiveRain." You should also visit the Weekly Top FAQ series.
Good Luck and Enjoy!
Other Related Sites, Groups, and Articles:
New Members - Start Here
Bloggers Startup Kit
ActiveBrad's eBook Manual
Help/FAQ Group
The ActiveRainGuide
The Help/FAQ Series
WOW!!!!!!
We have guiding prinicples? <THAT WAS A JOKE!>
Brad - the post is unbelievable for helping new members. Heck, it's great for ANY of us! Thanks for all the work you put into this!
Thanks Brad, I will bookmark this one for a few of my agents who are ready (finally) to get started.
Amazing, Brad! This is a great resource -- you've done it again, SuperBrad!
Great Advice!!!
Brad, WOW you are at it again. I am not a new member, but I can surely use some of these links again.
P.S. Love your new wallpaper. Now I have to go find myself. :0)
this is great. Thank you Brad.
Brad, ditto to all the good things anyone else write, I did a quick look at a couple of these and got a kick out of the comments on one. Reminds me that the comments to a post are pretty informative too. be good cw
Home run buddy....this is definitely the college 101 credit course.
Brad - You really should put some thought into these posts.
Brad - great resource. I just e-mailed your post to an Active Rain member ready to start really working on her blog.
Awesome Brad! I am bookmarking this so when I welcome a newbie I can include the link!
What a helpful post -- thank you!
Nice Brad. am going to print some of this out and read on the way to the bay tomorrow.
Assume you've seen out post about what you started with the idea of putting photos on our name tags.
cheers
Brad: Helpful post for OLDIES, too, like me. I go back quite often when I'm in doubt about something (IF I don't email you, directly, LOL).
Thanks.
Brad, Where waz this AR 101 course before? I must have missed it now I have to go back an start all over again.
Thank you sir for the post and all of the help in ti.
Don R.
Thanks Brad - I can see why bloggers are late night people this is a lot to absorb.
They say there are a lot of learning styles and just a thought ...at next Inman conference might be interesting to do an Active Rain Boot Camp for beginning bloggers - I would attend. I see a workshop where all participant write a blog with graphics, links, and a widget or two. I am a hands on learner and would defintely pay for this type of training...just a thought and I will start my late night reading tonight!
Like many things in life, it is always best to step back and do a review. It is amazing how we can forget stuff that we previously knew or how we can overlook something that would have made life easier. I plan to go through you blog attachment by attachment and see what I've forgotten or never knew.
Thanks for the updates.
Sean Allen
This is a great summary and getting started kit! I have found a couple of things I missed along the way. I think with almost 100K members, this is going to be priceless information. Thanks for taking the time to compile this kit.
Seriously good stuff for new AR users and seasoned users!
Seriously good stuff for new AR users and seasoned users!
Good info all in one location.
Thanks1
Thanks for all the info...I have some serious studying ahead!!!
Brad,
Congrats on the feature! Your post is going to be sent to every new member of ActiveRain as well as linked to on the home page of AR. (of course, you already knew this :-P)
I will come back 200 comments from now and leave another comment and ask to be notified so I'm not trapped in the 'Comment on a post of Brad's and ask to be notified of new comments' black hole. I'm not falling for the banana in the tail pipe again (movie reference anyone?), haha.
Brad, awesome stuff as always! I looked high and low for something like this when joining AR! I am glad it is there now!
Brad - Nice list of posts to help new and old get the most out of the Rain. One thing I would like to see added is how to format and layout your ActiveRain posts so they play nice with the outside blog and Localism parameters.
Bob Stewart - Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop. Great movie!
This is great for all of us old or new. I am going to spend some time and go thru some of these posts.
Wow...that is a full post! I think you have covered everything about AR that's fit to print.
Brad - This is a GREAT compilation of posts... just what we were looking for to give us the rules of the road, so to speak on AR. It's bookmarked for future reference. Thanks!
Brad, I hope people continue to read and make comments to this post. It will help soooooo many new AR members. I only got through half of the links and decided to come back to the rest later!
Brad,
Nice compendium!!! Without a doubt you are the 'bookmark king' of Active Rain!!! Thanks, Fran
I'll be sending this out to several newbies that I've invited from my office. They are always asking me how to get started and having something to share with them will be helpful.
Great--Super! There are links there that benefit newbies and should I say "oldies?"
Thanks for putting this together. I started over a year ago and had forgotten a lot. Oh, and I love visiting your page...my picture is on your wallpaper and I think thats so cool! ;)
HI BRAD!
What a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?!? BTW, your page looks fab! I love all the faces...where's mine:o)
Enjoy your week!
Brad, a true encyclopedia on Active Rain and blogging. No one does it like YOU! I agree with Elaine. Super Brad. Thanks.
Thta is great info..I have already used some ofthe information.
Brad - This is perfect for new members - you just saved me several hours of work getting ready to help my invitees! Shouldn't this be in the corner of the main page or automatically sent to new members!
Also great for not so new members like me.
Also - Love the new wallpaper, and there is my little happy face right on the bottom right corner! That's me saying 'thanks for all your help, Brad!'
Brad,
I am fairly new to ActiveRain but have really enjoyed immersing my self in all that it has to offer. I am glad I found your info early on because you have proved invaluable to helping me get a jumpstart and I feel like I have just begun to "get it" and take advantage of the innumerable possibilities offered here!
Thanks again,
Russell
Even though I have been on Active Rain for over a year,there is still some things that I still need help with. This is a well written post Brad. Great post.
Brad - Man oh man how far we have come. Wish I had this when I started eons ago. Bet many others do too. What a terrific resource.
Hope you don;t mind if I share this with folks in my upcoming blogging classes if they are interested in joining AR.
Jeff
Great stuff...thanks Brad!
Thank you for the "one-stop shop" post! You are the mega-mall of AR blogging!
Wow!! What a great response, thanks you guys. Gotta run and pack for San Francisco, be right back..
The starter kit was Bob's idea, I have to give HIM the credit on this one. Thanks Bob!! :-) haha
Where were you 10 months ago when we a started. It is a good resource even for some of us that have been involved for a few months.
Brad: another great Blog. The starter kit is a great idea.. Thanks for sharing
Brad.....this is another excellant tool for the newbies or the oldies with lots of great content. You're the best!
Maybe this should be on PAGE ONE so people who join the community have some direction and make the very most of their time in the Rain,...thank you !
Okay Brad, you're at it again. Great tool for those just starting out on AR. I had to learn through trial and error! ;-)
What Rich said in the first comment
Wow, Brad. There is enough here to keep me busy for days - at least.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together Brad. I have it bookmarked to refer to.
pippa
Lots of great information for any newcomer to our community as well as many oldtimers. Thanks for putting it all together Brad.
This is a great list. I have been here for a while but I still need to work my way back through this list again to make sure I have not missed ANYTHING!! LOL
This is amazing! Thanks so much for all of the useful information! I am an Active Rain newbie and can't wait to get started!
WOW Brad! OH, how I wish I had found this when I first started! This is EXCELLENT information for newbies that, if done as you describe, should jump start their presence here in the Rain and their business! I've still got to do a couple of these things myself!
Thanks for all you do for us here in the RAIN!
Brad,
This post seems to be the mother of all the starter kit blogs. Can't get any more thorough than this. It can even be helpful to old-timers who sometimes need guidance.
This is great info. I guess my only question is how to post individual photos to localism...
Oh Brad--every time I turn around--there you go again posting great info!! Will bookmark it! Thanks for all you help, as well!
P.s. Since Leslie asked about Localism--How do I become a neighbor in my area?---I am not listed as an neighbor--at all! Where's Mr. Rogers when you need him!
p.s.s. I don't think I'll be able to make it to the "land rush" on july 31--I still too lost in the "rain" there so many things I still need to learn! is there a post that explains this "land rush" thing and how to become a neighbor
I Just read "The 10 Guiding principles and philosophy of our network and community"
Love it!
I will mark this blog and refer to it many times in the future! Very helpful for us Newbies!! Thanks so much!
Krista Abshure
Thanks Brad! Great source of info for both the newbies and the seasoned active rain member.
Joe
Thanks for the post,as a newbie, it was really helpful!
You SOOOOOOOOOOOO ROCK for doing this for the newbies. What a guy...
Thanks Brad for putting everything in one post...and there are some good posts in there :0
Hello Active Brad - I'm not so new anymore but bookmarking anyway since I feel I skipped right past a lot of important stuff. You've made it much easier for new Rainers to get comfortable. Very nice job "as usual".
WOW!!! Thank you for all the information in one place. As a Newbie this post is GREAT!!!
Oh Brad--every time I turn around--there you go again posting great info!! Will bookmark it! Thanks for all you help, as well!
P.s. Since Leslie asked about Localism--How do I become a neighbor in my area?---I am not listed as an neighbor--at all! Where's Mr. Rogers when you need him!
Aida -
You become a top neighbor based on your contributions to localism. Jon just featured a great post breaking down 9 points about localism.
p.s.s. I don't think I'll be able to make it to the "land rush" on july 31--I still too lost in the "rain" there so many things I still need to learn! is there a post that explains this "land rush" thing and how to become a neighbor
There is, you can go to http://localism.com/sponsor
Brad, one of our newest members asked me to point out that "7 Mistakes To Avoid On ActiveRain" is linking to a blog post on "What Should i Write" instead.
Michelle - thanks, I just rechecked all the links and they seem to be fine. There is a post "The Ultimate Guide To Ideas For Your Post" I must have duplicated the link. It was really a test just to see if anyone is clicking on the links! lol~ not really....thanks again. :-)
This is a great reference piece for new bloggers, all in one spot so they don't have to go searching around. Great job!
Wow Brad: What an incredible compilation of Newbie posts. Honesly, I wish there was something like this when I started on Active Rain eleven months ago. But... in looking at all of your topics, many of them will be very useful even now for me. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ditto to what Karen said above, I am going to teach some new people about Active Rain, and I'm going to use this post as an outline to my class. This is great info
Brad - Reading these postings has been really valuable to me. I'm one of those ActiveRainers, who hates reading manuals, and instructions. I've been getting along fairly well with my blogging, except I have one very "blonde" question I've been putting off for a couple months now. It has to do with including a graphic with my postings.
I've been putting any desired pictures or graphics on an external domain I have, and then linking to that url for my postings. However, I note most folks are using the "ActiveRain Image Store" for their graphics. I have poked and hunted around here on ActiveRain trying to find and utilize that store. Where the heck is it??? And no fair laughing:-)
Myrl - it's ok to use images stored on your server. If you choose to upload a photo from your computer to a post directly, the photo will be renamed and stored in a sub-directory on AR. The is no image library, just a subdomain folder where your images are stored. You can use either or both options. For animated .gifs, you'll have to use your server to store those and then the URL to have them appear on your post. :-)
Brad - Thanks for your response. However, when I click on the little "insert/edit image" icon here on ActiveRain, it will only allow me to input the image URL. It won't allow me to select an image and import it in from my hard-drive. I know it ought to be able to be done, because I see the
ActiveRain Image Store" (subdirectory) when I right mouse click on other folk's graphics on their postings.
It's making me crazy!
Myrl - you can upload an image from your computer, just click on the icon next to where you are placing the url for your other images. It looks like this:
Thanks for all this info....I have a feeling I'll never sleep again! :)
Lisa - You'll sleep again and better than ever knowing that your efforts here will pay off. If you work hard and just follow some of these simple steps, you'll witness the same successes that many others have. :-)
Brad, Great post. I wish you had thi post a year ago . It would have made things easier for me. I still have a lot to learn so I will bookmark this and try some of the things. Thank you.
Gita - I wish that too. It's taken me over a year to write the posts and create this. I hope it will help. :-)
Hi Brad,
I've tried to click the "how to customize" video & tutorial a few times the past 3 days and haven't been able to get on. Is it down?
Thanks,
~Jeff
Brad, All I can say is I could not have done it without your post. Thanks for saving me a TON of time! Aaron
Jeff - I just checked and it seems to be fine. Try this link and see if it works. If not, please let me know.
"How To Customize Your Active Rain Blog Using the ActiveRain Customizer Video Tutorial"
Brad,
I stumbled across this site and I am so excited about it. Thanks for all the help!
Where was this while I was ready to hang myself! I have bookmarked and look forward to learning!Maybe I can find out why my Newbie blog as deleted....I am sure I did something wrong, just don't know what! I will try and do better next time. I would keep this one as a permanent featured item for all the Newbies.
Peggy - I'm glad to hear that.
Sherry - this is a permanent link on the AR home page. It's the "getting Started" link above the featured posts on ActiveRain.com. Glad you found this, I hope it helps. If not, let me know.
Thank you Brad.
How do I put a banner across the top of my blog?
Thank you Brad for this information. I am very new at this and need all the help I can get.
Brad,
I also wanted to compliment you on the Joe Satriani video. Along with your 11 year old I am a huge fan and whether or not you have some "Rocker" in you, it's great that yuo took your son. I am still bigtime Rock fan and frankly like all kinds of music. my ipod playlists are so diverse they don't make sense to anyone who just listens passively.
Thanks again, Russell
Thank you for this information. I'll be sure to bookmark it for future reference.
Thanks Brad. Excellent post.
Mr. Bradelicious: (I hope you don't mind the nickname, but I've always referred to you as that) When I started on AR my most impressive computer feat was knowing how to save, copy and paste. Now, almost a year later, I am considered "computer savvy".
Although I have shown little gratitude in the past, it is your posts I refer to for answers. I have been subscribed to your blog for eons and although it is still very difficult for me to learn anything technical, your tutelage has been invaluable and I thank you for it!
I was just perusing your post trying to find a blog to send a friend I have just introduced to AR, when I stumbled upon a new group (the Help/FAQ Group) and I had that Eureka! moment. I summarily joined the group; I believe I am member nr. 98 and I look forward to reading all the posts.
Thank you for your tutelage! It is much appreciated! I am a proud member of the AR family and I hope that you give me at least a passing grade if you compare my first posts to my latest ones!
thanks for the kit! it will help out alot
How do I put a banner across the top of my blog?
Cristina - you'll have to use the AR customizer to put up a custom banner on your AR Blog. Go to Activeraincustomizer.com, register and follow the steps. If you need help, jut let me know. Have fun! :-)
Russell - yes, I am still a rocker...in a rocking chair that is... lol~ Loved taking my son to see and meet Joe, he'll never forget it the rest of his life. He wants to be a rock star now and has his sights set pretty high. I love all styles of music and like you, the 2000 songs on my iPod would make anyones head spin! :-))
Mirelalicious - love the nickname, thanks. I'm honored by your comment and moved by your words. Thank you for being so appreciative and grateful. That means a lot to me. You get a passing grade from me for sure! ;-) Thanks again!!
Really does save a lot of time, as long as you take the time to read through. Great advice for everyone to start with and great instruction. Some links did not work for me, however, I hope they do for everyone else. Thanks again!
Thomas - thanks. Hey, which links didn't work for you? Maybe I can help. I just went through each link in this post and they all worked fine for me. I use Firefox and wonder if your Internet Explorer browser might have been the culprit. Let me know, I'm happy to help if you need.
I am very excited to be part of a community commited to personal and business development. I thank you for your commitment to expand ideas and bring exceptional value to the marketplace.
Kevin - thanks for recognizing my commitment here on AR. I appreciate your comment and value it's intention. Keep your excitement in high gear, it will take you far on this network, and out in your community.
Brad,
Thanks for all the information. I am looking forward to being part of this great community.
Great Post. Thanks for the information
Great info on your page thank you Brad!
Scott Ely
www.loanreview.org
Great info! I found it very useful.
This is a very helpful and informative post. You always have great posts
this isn't just for newbies you know! Although I wish I had seen this post when I first joined. Thanks for sharing...I've bookmarked it so I can customize my page.
Great post but its a very long one ,the startes kit takes way to long to read and we are busy people ;) a short version would be great though.
Jean - that would be like giving you an apetizer with no main course and no desert. Without this information to assist you, the likeliness of you coming back to Blog or use the network properly and successfully would be impaired greatly. Busy people need as much information as possible up front to get them started here, otherwise it could take you months to discover all these things about AR and the power that lies within these boundless walls.
Thanks Brad.
This is excellent information for newcomers to Active Rain. For those that are new to ACtive Rain, click on Brad's profile and you'll find more usefull information that can be used for the new active rain experience. Btw, Brad: There should also be an end kit, one with lots of fireworks and explosions.
Victor - thanks, I should create an end kit for those who have arrived like yourself. It only makes sense that if there is a "Starter Kit" there should be an End or "Celebration Kit" as well. haha. :-))
Is there a way to ad pictures to my blog?
Thank You
thanks
Mark - there is, but first you have to be logged in. I can tell by your comment that you are not logged in, your name will have a link back to your Blog when logged in.
To add a photo, just click on the little tree icon
that's located on the toolbar, then browse your computer or put in the url where your photo is located.
You can even add them to comments if you like, the toolbar above any comment section also has the
which allows you to Insert/Edit Image into comments.
Hi Brad,
Thanks so much for sending your starter kit to the Active Rain Community. This information is so important!
Sincerely,
Tanya "Tiyheen" Tennyson
Thanks, this is good stuff
Hey Brad Thank you and not soon enough.
This is SO helpful and I thank you SO much!!!
YOu are so awesome! Tahnk you for the great help. I did bookmarked this blog
Aloha
This was great! Thank you for putting the basics together in one blog. I have bookmarked this blog and I'm sure I will refer to it often. Have a great weekend!
Hi Brad, Thanks for the info. What a great help for us newbies. I will use it.
I wish that I had this to refer to when I started out. I think I'll go back and reread everything to see what I have missed. However I have had fun learning by trial and error and have met a lot of helpful people along the way.
Great starting point. I'm glad I found this place.
What a great resource...I have this bookmarked to come back to even though I'm not sure I can be classified as a newbie anymore...
I have gone thru to go over the links I am not familiar with and they are very helpful. Thanks for the great info.
Just wanted to say thank you also Brad, I need all the help it can get
Mike
Thanks for the tips. I am new and found your information very helpful. I now have my blog up and running. Thank you.
Bob Richards
This guideline helps me a lot as a new comer.
So much information, so little time! I got a lot out of this info and as a first time user of AR, I can already see great value to all of this. Thanks.
Matthew - I see you found it! Awesome my friend, let me know if there is anything you need help with here, I have posted many How To posts on my AR profile if you need. Again, welcome to ActiveRain. :-)
Thanks to each of you for your comments, I'm glad this post is finding it's way to your computer screens and assisting you with how and where to get things done here in the rain. Enjoy your time and journey here, your efforts will not go unrewarded, I can promise you that.
Elayna Fernandez
Very useful info. and links!
Brad, one question. I notice eveybody else has there name and company in a link at the bottom of their post, mine only has my company. Why is that? I've been trying to locate an area in the set-up to modify this, but I haven't found it.
Matt Quackenbush at Keller Williams - Albany
This will be booked marked for sure. Thanks for breaking it down for us.
Elayna - thank you so much, that was a very sweet comment and I appreciate that very much. I know what new members go through having been one once, I can only imagine how much harder it must be now with all the NEW tools and features we've added since I joined a year and a half ago. It all started when I invited over 100 local agents from my area and when they joined, the first question was always "What Do I Do Now?" Hence ActiveBrad evolving to ActiveRain...Full-time! :-)
Matt - great question, and I highly recommending you add your name, just go to your profile page on AR, click on Edit, and add your Name in the same box that you have your company name currently. That's how they are doing it. :-)
Elayna
Elayna - thanks for subscribing, let me know if you ever need any help here with anything on AR. :-))
Brad,
Good post. I am just getting started and this is ver helpful. The one question I had when I was surfing around the set up was that there was an area that said my account balance was $0. In what situation do you use money and what would be the benefit? Thanks,
Rob - that area is used for advertising and sponsoring communities and neighborhoods on Localism. It does not affect your AR Blog or any kind of paid account to be here. If you are interested in advertising, or purchasing communities on our Localism.com site, let me know and I'll hook you up with the right people.
Thanks! I was more just curious. I am mainly focusing on this site to get links.....other than learning quit a bit.
Rob - there's a whole lot more than the value of links here, read some of the success posts and stories. There's a link to them on te Main AR home page.
thanks so very much, this stuff has really helped me out, i was very overwhelmed when first registering! Now i just have to gain some activity knowledge!
Thank you for the helpful tutorial. Knowledge is power.
This is a great site. I just found it. Thank you for the opportunity to be able to communicate with other professionals in our industry. There is a lot of good information and a great way to exchange ideas, knowledge and meet others in our own area and outside. Also, by providing guidelines like this will keep the forum professional and ethical. Thank you.
Thanks for all of the info - I love your posts!
Is it ok to post e-mails that you receive? I have been seeing this lately and see that it would be a great way to get extra points, but isn't that against the rules? Most of the time, e-mail funnies have pictures and script that was forwarded over and over. Can anyone clear this up for me. I do not want to break any rules.
Charles - I would not post peoples emails to you without their permission. Or at least keep information annonymous, but I would always ask first. Remember your audience and what you're trying to accomplish with your Blog and your Blogging endeavors. That's just my 2 cents, I would also recommend you read the terms of service and guidelines first before continuing. This will help you understand the rules better. :-)
My Hometown is actually Fairfield so of course your Blog caught my eye! My first comment (outside the "newbie" site) and I thank you for your helpful insights on blogging. Now to tackle my next hurdle of posting my first BLOG....
This is a great starter kit Brad. I am going to bookmark this for people that I bring into ActiveRain.
I'll be forever going through your list of great stuffs here. I looked at your profile page and there is even more!
Colleen - It's kinda hard to keep that one hidden. LOL~ :-))
Sheri - can't wait to check out that first Blog. BTW - How did you go from Fairfield to Lake Norman?
This is Great. Thanks.
I look forward to learning and familiarizing with AR and then immersing myself into it. This will be my first efforts (looking forward with anticipation) in becoming part of the "blogging world". I would like to thank you for establishing this platform (and all the valuable tools/tips) to allow the community to "come together". THANKS
Thank you for the video.
At 56 years old I feel like an "old dog" learning new tricks. Guess it goes to show that no matter how long you've been in a business you never can become complacent when it comes to learning. Even though I am behind the curve right now, I plan on catching up fast.
I would sure welcome comments from anyone else who feels the same way. Maybe we can work together deciphering it all!
Thanks for all the valuable information, I am sure it will be very useful!!!
Brad,
thank you your site was easy to use and follow. I truely appreciate the time and effort you put into it and into helping all of us.
My best,
Victoria Murphy
Hi Brad,
Well what am I doing up at 1145pm reading blogs? Thanks for the welcome & maybe you can come to office next week & give me some hands on training. How lucky am I?
Ginger
Ginger - you just call and I'm there... I'm not cheap.... will work for food???? hahaha :-))
Hi Brad,
I have responded to several blogs with my comments but I don't know that I am getting points for this. Am I supposed to leave a code or username anywhere to identify my responses as being "from me" for point purposes? Or is the fact that I am "logged in" sufficent?
Jerry
Jerry - as long as you are logged into to AR, you're doing it right. You'll notice the backlink in your name above, and you will be awarded 25 points for comments made on other members posts as well. The points take a while to show up sometimes, just be patient and they will come. :-)
I am very excited to be on this website and chat with the gurus. I be here for awhile. Get ready for Marshal Bethea real estate world........
is this where there will be a discussion about green jobs this morning?
Marshal - we're ready and excited for ya!! :-)
Nori - this is where we discuss anything you like? :-))
Hi,
I appreciate all this information. It'll come in handy when I start to utilize this site. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this great helpfull information!
thanks
I wish that this information was all in one place earlier. Thanks for the great amount of information. You are amazing.
Brad, Hope you don't mind I linked to this in one of my blog entries for newbies.
Thanks! Even I need to review this stuff from time to time!
Brad, This is absolutely wonderful! I have been blogging on AR since February of this year. I still haven't "learned" it all! This is a good blog to visit and pick up what I may have missed.
My broker-owner has asked that I hold a Round Table about blogging in January. I look forward to getting some associates signed up and blogging here!
I wish I would find this information earlier. When I started with activerain, I wasn't sure what i was doing. Thank you for taking the time to make this great post.
Jay Skinner
Myrtle Beach Real Estate
Benjamin - no worries, that's what this is here for. Thanks and enjoy! :-)
Super summary of the best info....as always. I will pass this link along with an invitation to join. Thanks!
Hi Brad, I poured through some of these when I joined a couple of months ago. It's time to reread! So glad that this is here for us :~)))
The Horse Girl ~ Marian
Marian - funny thing is, I still have to come read this myself once in a while. Thanks. :-)
Great educational teaching tool for active rain!
How do I edit my profile type? I listed as a Real Estate Broker and when I visited my profile it shows me as a Real Estate trainer? Help!!!
thanks so much for the wonderful information. I have opened about 6 new tab windows for information and just learned how to use the image store. I'm not a newbie but still learning everyday!! Wow, I have been downloading all these photos to my outside server. That'll save me tons of time right there.
Great info! It's provided me structure and guidance as I stumble through the blogging world!
Cheers!
Thank you for this.
Herman Brunson
President
Herman Brunson Investments
Build back up your 401k.
Earn from 9% to 12% monthly
investing with us.
http://www.hbinvestco.com
Thanks for all the info! I look forward to networking with all of you.
Thank you Brad for all the effort you are putting in your Blog
Great Information presented for us new guys... thanks
WOW!!! Thank you so much for all the great information!!
Great information, will reread, as I believe You posted this in AR for Newbies earlier. Thanks
I'm saving this post to share with all my new invites! Thanks!
Thank you for all the information. I have already forwarded to my agents so they can have a good understanding of what ActiveRain is all about and how to get started. Thanks.
This site is awesome! I wish I knew about it eariler. Thanks!
I appreciate this post. I refer back to it from time to time. Just thought I'd mention that! :)
This has been a great source for me, thanks.
Thank you
Hi Brad, i wish it could be that easy for me, i'v had no luck inputting my pics on active rain, i'v click the tree etc and no luck... i;ll keep trying
Louise
Thanks so much for this. I'm sure that I am going to learn so much from this.
Thanks a lot, this was very helpful! I followed this, in detail step by step up to where I am now! I still have a ways to go until I am even ready to make my first post though I think!
Thanks for the great info Brad.
I am excited to start using this forum for sharing ideas and meeting new people!!!!
Thank you for coming to Omaha. The class was great with lots of useful information. I am signed up as a member of Activerain now.
I am a little nervous about my first blog. Hey, I'm getting through my first response! I can do this.
I plan to read the useful info above on how to create a blog :)
I noticed the 'free outside blogs' article is still in the original post. Are these still free? I wonder if I move mine off of ActiveRain if there is still a free version available. Perhaps a little clarification on the outside blogs is in order.
Thanks Brad. That is an awesome "Starter Kit" on how to get started with Active Rain and receiving points. The 7 mistakes to avoid has turned out to be very helpful too.
Thanks, this really helped me alot when getting started!!
Thanks for your post Brad! It inspired me to upload my picture and create my profile (after almost 2 years of being a member :-0...) and I am now on my way to writing my very own blog.
Thank you much... Jeremy
Great info, should help alot! Thanks.
You are a refreshing rain of information, Brad. Thank you.
Brad - Hi Brad. Just wanted to let you know I started my own blog up now. Joining in the fracass.... lol Thanks for everything you do here on A/r
You have been incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
Hi Brad,
Thanks for the terrific information. I joined AR a few weeks ago, and just "jumped in". This helps me get a better handle on how to do this more thoughtfully.
Any good resources out there on how to format the blog...add pictures, graphics and the like?
Thanks, Again.
thank you for the information.
This info is so helpful for someone like be who's new to the blogging community.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks again for all of the helpful information you have provided.
Thanks for the helpful information on how to navigate and expand on the ActiveRain experience
Hi Brad,
Thank you for the info.I would like to invite my real estate contacts to a/r what would be the easiest way to do it?
Thanks again,
Eva
Brad,
Thank you for the great information!
Stacye Pratt
Great resource! Thanks so much!
This is a great help. Thank you.
Thank you, Brad.
I find it very useful and interesting already.
Irina
How do you get the blog posts to post to "Public" instead of just members only or associates only... It is not coming up as an option?
Jerry - I wrote this for you. :-)
http://activerain.com/blogsview/959045/Week-In-Review-Top-10-ActiveRain-FAQs
Hi Brad,
Starting to get serious about using Activerain and this is helping alot, thanks,
Thank you Brad, for posting will be very helpful for newbie's like me. I will save your porst to my favorites. Thanks
Brad,
Great information! I can't wait to get started!
Thanks
great information tks for sharing
All of this great information is sure making the AR process easier and more fun! Thanks
Hi what is this??
Gloria
Hi Gloria - it's a great place to "Get Started" on ActiveRain, or at least somewhere to begin your Blogging journey! :-))
Thanks Brad,
This was great. I may have to read it a few more times. =)
Thanks Brad,
This was great. I may have to read it a few more times. =)
OK - why didn't I read this first. I am a little overwhelmed but slowly figuring it all out. Thanks for the help! Keep up the great work!
Brad, great job!
Hi Brad, Thank you again.
Vickie - make sure you login to AR first before doing anything, this way your comment will have a link-back to your profile and blog. Otherwise, there is no way for me and others to know who you are, and reciprocate by visiting you and commenting on your blog. Oh yeah, and you're very welcome too. :-)
I appreciate your efforts, to boost my career!
... Thank You
Hi Brad:
I'm only given the options to have my blog viewed by members or associates. How do I get the public to be able to view? I would like everyone on the internet to view.
Thanks,
Carin
Hi Carin - check out the 5th and 6th links in this post. They will explain the RainMaker membership account for you. Let me know if you have any questions after you review those two links. Thanks.
Hi Brad:
Not sure which links you mean. What are they titled?
Thanks,
Carin
Hi again Brad:
Ok I found the links.
Also having trouble downloading pictures on my blog. Maybe you can help with that?
Thanks again,
Carin
Thank goodness for this information. I've been on this site for a few weeks now and finally started to dig into the resources available for becomming a more active member. I'm looking forward to reading and learning from experienced professionals and also sharing some of my experiences as well.
Charlie Snyder
Carin - you can use the tree image in the tool bar above to add photos and images into Blogs and comments. Let me know if you need any help, you can call me anytime. :-)
Thank you for giving me a jump start on ActiveRain!
Mike
Thanks for the great info.
Thanks again,
Doug DeShazer
Hi Brad
Thank You for the Information
Mike Guindon Pillar to Post Home Inspection , Oxford County , Ontario , Canada
Great info! Thanks!
Very Helpful Information. Thank You!!
Thanks this is great ............ now just have to get thru it all and apply what I need.
I just signed up in Active Rain. Thank you for the helpful information, looking forward to learning more!
Nancy
I am not sure how it works, but I am looking fowards to learn it and be part of it
Melissa, Judy, Carl, Nancy, and Cristine - Welcome to AR! There are plenty of folks here to help you out and to learn from, myself included. Don't hesitate to contact any of our staff if we can assist you in any way. Again, welcome aboard! :-)
Hi Brad
I live in South Africa and would like to join AR. No luck. No way to join if you are from another country. Any chance of this changing soon.
Colleen - I have sent your comment to our AR staff to see what we can do. I think we can figure out a way to set this up, but I'll need the programnmers and developers to jump in at this point. Thanks for your interest in joining the network, I think providing global access to members is an excellent idea. Thank you. :-)
Thanks for the great info. Can't wait to learn from this.
Just signed up, thanks for the info!
Great post. Great info for me to get started on Active Rain. Thank you!
Oh my Gosh. Well I have bookmarked this and will have to come back and absorb it in bits. There's so much information here - all great stuff - but it will take me a while to get through all of it!
Stephen - there is a ton of info here and it's taken a couple years to compile it, but it won't take you that long to get through it, and it will shave off months of the learning curve that none of us had when we joined AR. Take your time, and feel free to let me know if you have any questions at all. Welcome to ActiveRain, you're part of the greatest Real Estate Social Network in the World now. Congrats! :-)
Thank you for this! It definitely brought me right side up... I think I was being flooded in all this rain lol
Chell - try playing in the puddles first, the flood will always be here! lol~ :-)
That is a great action list! You ROCK Active Brad! I plan on upgrading to Rainmaker very soon!
Julianna - good call, you won't regret it I assure you. :-)
This site ROCKS! Thanks for all of the help and great tips!
Joiing a new website can be intimidating. You make it so easy. Thanks for the guidance.
Thanks for the helpful advice!
Hi Brad,
This post is exactly what I'm looking for to get started. Unfortunately, when clicking on the links, they don't fully open, or slow down to a dial-up crawl! Can you please re-send it. I'd really like to explore the links.
Thanks
The info I received was most informative and will be very helpful as I become more active.Thank You
Pat - the links are working fine, it may just be your browser, let me know if they still aren't working for you ok?
Brad,
Just joined up and this was a great first post for me to read and comment on as a new member. I wish I had the full weekend to read your tutorial. Looks like I will carry this over to monday. Great guide.
Hello from Jacksonville N.C. I'm new to this site so any helpful information that you want to give ill be happy to take it..have a safe and prosperous weekend !!!
Catherine - this post is a great place to start, I just updated it so here's a link to the new one:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1135403/how-to-get-started-on-activerain
I'd be happy to help you anytime. Take a week or so to settle in, read some posts, make a few comments on other members posts, and just get comfortable in the community. After a week or so, give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll get you started on the right track with your Rainmaker acct, your AR blog, Localism, and your Outside Blog. We can also setup your Hit Router Campaigns and referral exchange then.
Welcome aboard, we're happy you've chosen to join us here. Congrats and Good luck to you with your endeavors here.
ActiveBrad :-)
Brad,
Thank you for this "get started" post. The content is very informative and helpful. Keep up the good work.
Sean Babb
Great info!
Thanks Brad!
Thanks Brad!!! I'm new here so that will be a great source for me.
Hi Megan - welcome to ActiveRain. I'll be your host if you ever need anything here. Nice to have you on board with us. -))
A perfect "getting started" post. Plenty of information, well organized. It will take time to go through and do everything! We will return here often! Thanks
I Just Signed up in Active Rain , Thank you for the Helpful information , I'm Looking forward to reading and Learning from experienced Professionals amd also sharing some of my experiences as well, Thank You
Wow you just saved me a crazy amount of hours of research..... Thank you!!!
John Fiorelli, REALTOR
Recruiting Director
Marketing Consultant
Century 21 Signature Realty
2800 Buford Rd. Ste 204
Richmond, VA 23235
Direct: 804-908-2046
Office: 804-330-4222
Fax: 804-330-4249
Email: john.fiorelli@century21.com
Web: www.fiorealtor.com
I wish I would have taken the time to read up on all of this when I first signed up with Activerain.
Hi Cindy - it's hard to find all the "pearls" of wisdom here in the rain, there are sooooo many by such a wide variety of members here, I'm glad you did find this one. I have compiled a lot of my best posts over on http://activerainmanual.com if you're interested. You're welcome to browse through the archives and see if there's any other dusty pearls over there as well. Thanks!! <Big Smile>
Have a great weekend. :-)
Hi Cindy, you have provided valuable information through your post. It is very motivating and inspiring. I am also in the process of learning in acive rain and found the portal with inbuilt excellent features. Thanks for sharing your valuable information.
Cindy???????
Dear Brad or Cindy, nor whatever name you are using. It's ok, hon. Whatever name you wish to use during your "transition" is fine with us. And, as you go through this momentous "life change," we wanted you to know that you have our support... whatever name you choose.
Best wishes as you continue your own personal search to find "the real you." We only wish you had told us sooner of your "change" so we could have been more supportive. September 13, 2010
ROFL @ Karen - If TLW were here right now, I think she'd ask you both to back off on the meds. haha~ :-))
Love, Bra..indy...
I am spitting coffee all over my monitor while reading Karen's comment. . .I had totally missed this important "life changing" news. Perhaps we could have William Johnson present a slide show like he did for Bob Stewart's wedding:-)
Good job, thanks!
Good job, thanks!
Awesome! Thank you.
HELLO _ I am hoping yu can help me. I am an active rain blogger who just purchased a newer computer and I can't insert photo's inot my blogs since getting this new technology. I have turned off pop up blockers but am wondering if there is something else??
THANKS - Julie
Thanks Brad for this post and thank you Customer Service for pointing me in the right direction, i learned a lot on my own over the past week after gaining access to my account again after a 4 year hiatus, but this is definitely going to speed up my learning curve....
thanks,
John
Hi Brad,
I'm a new rainmaker and posts like these will help me navigate AR. If there's a more up-to-date version of these resources, please let us know. Much appreciated.
I've been here a while but never seen this. It shold automatically be sent to new members.
I was surfing the blog posts for help and stumbled on this. Even though I've been a member for a while, I still find posts like this one to be invaluable as "ah-ha moments" and "oh-duh's. Thank you for helping us who should ask more often but don't. Truly appreciate the info!
I just discovered this while surfing the blog posts for help. Great that you do this, it's very helpful. It's like a mini online class to get me up an running-yes I know I've been a member for a while, but I'm getting more on purpose now-it's about time!