Source: WellcomeMat
Last night, David defeated Goliath. The New York Giants came from behind in the last minute of play against the mighty New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl. It was a game for the ages. Not since the the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994 have I seen the New York fans go so bonkers. In my neck of the woods, it was quite scary actually. So what does this have to do with real estate or social networking?
Forget wisdom, I beared witness the madness of the crowds. Loyal and passionate Giants fans banded together to create a mini riot. Although judgment may have been impaired thanks to the Google Giants juice, what ensued was not a pretty sight. Some in attendance may have argued that the topless ladies may have been a great way to end the night. Many just watched from the sidelines like rubberneckers at a car accident. Some with comments and looks of disgust. Yet no one did anything to try to calm the situation down. Maybe out of fear of being attacked. Hey, I’m guilty of it too. Even worse, I videotaped some of it. Regardless, it reminded me of what happens sometimes in our online real estate blog world. Loyal blog readers standing by while a few go at it. Yes, it’s a tough situation to be in but does turning a blind eye help? I’m not so sure. Mob mentality if you will. Does it leave us with a black eye?
Clearly, anyone who was trying to drive their car through that mini riot came away not only with physical damage to their vehicles but quite possibly with a bad impression of Giants fans if not all football fans overall. How can that image and experience ever be remedied? Now translate that to real estate blog wars that clearly can be avoided. Is it worth it? From my experience, I think not.
So what did I learn from this experience? Our personal reputations are important. Whether we are fans of a sports team or real estate agents on the web, people are watching. So be careful what you say and do. Treat others like you would like to be treated. And sometimes, the wisdom of the crowd is not better than what you feel in your heart.
Footnote: Coincidentally, 3 Trulia branded Taxis took part in the experience.
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February 5th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Hello,
Best of luck for you “Trulia”
February 7th, 2008 at 11:17 am
“So be careful what you say and do.”
This is so true. Sometimes we even learn that lesson time & again, even when we think that it’s already ingrained in our heads. Oh, if only there were “unsend” buttons! We could all use one. Some more than others.
BTW, it was funny how you regularly focused on the Trulia ads on the roofs of the taxis. I didn’t realize it was three different taxis until I read you footnote.