I've been watching this site for awhile and participating as much as I can to encourage others to do the same.  I just wanted to write these thoughts for those who either don't realize what an impact they have on this site or to those who just are new and haven't figured out all the in's and out's of this site.  (I did a blog on this in the past, but I want to add more to it). 

This site is a community.  We share with each other; give each other our ideas and thoughts and share the knowledge that we know, hoping it will make a difference for someone else.  In order to make this site the best real estate investing web site, it means if you are a member, you GET to participate.  If you are a member... this is also YOUR website because you NOW are a part of our community. 

*Put up a profile picture.  It makes us feel like we know you better if we can see a photo, (even if it's a dog or a pet).. something is better than the shadow profile!  Take just a few seconds to tell us about who you are and what your speciality is with real estate.  When you put up something other than you, it gives us an idea of what is important to you and BEGINS to help us "place" you as a member/live person. 

* When you read a blog or look at a picture, take a 1/2 second to click a grade.  There isn't anything to it.  Just grade it and keep going.  It encourages others to write a blog.  It also helps us know WHAT to write about.  We know very quickly if you don't like something or find something worth writing about.  Grading helps people like me, (who LIKE to write blogs) know WHAT to write about.  (besides, it adds points to the grader and the one being graded - a win/win).

*Even better, leave some feedback.  Feedback makes the thread that much more interesting!  Please drop a comment if you can add to the conversation, encourage or teach us something more about the topic. 

* If someone asks you to be in their network, IT'S OK!  This isn't myspace or 360o with all the nuts out there!(I have a profile on both).   We're all here because we are real estate minded.  So far, I haven't accepted anyone that turned out to be a scammer or weirdo! (welllllll --- no !!kidding).. So, if someone asks you to be in their network, just know up front.... we are just being friendly and trying to help you become part of our community! 

This site is fairly new and still growing.  You are a part of that growth.  This is a web site that is different than others.  You ARE what makes up this site.  If you share with us what you know, who you are, what you do, etc... it helps add another special reason to log on and see what's new.  In this site, it's up to YOU where it goes and grows.  You invite members to join, rave or complain to get things you want to see on here, participate and add your 2 cents and the more you do that, the bigger this site gets.  Right now, I'm just a member.  I don't have any 'investment' in this site, other than my time.  But, where I spend my time is important to me       ** time is money** so personally I want to see this site become the best real estate connection out there.  It means that I have answers to problems from investors all over the world with their knowledge!  You can't get that anywhere else. 

So, welcome to the site.  If you've been here a while.. participate!  If you are new.. participate.. You are just as equally important as the first person who signed up!  We all need each other to avoid costly mistakes and to encourage when things get rough... this is a support system that will go a long way in our work life!