I could see signing an MLS agreement for 3 years in oh, I don’t know, 1998. But in the current environment, signing anything longer than 12 months when technology changes so rapidly, is not very smart. Besides, when 95% of membership has no idea that the MLS is provided by a provider to which there are alternatives, it’s hard to get any significant change. Although, I must say that after this post went live yesterday, some people high up in the association have let me know something’s in the works. I’m not sure whether that’s just codespeak for “shut up” or what but I choose to be optimistic.

That may very well be. But from where I’m standing it seems to me like the lack of innovation comes from associations not demanding it. I bet you if HAR pulled the plug on Tempo, they would feel it in their pocketbook and implement changes very soon. ”

Regarding this – I don’t know … I think it’s a combination of long-term contracts between associations and the MLS providers and the Associations being complacent. Many don’t recognize that MLS is a technology that needs to be constantly updated and innovated. Stagnation seems to be good enough for too many Realtors and associations.

You are far too kind, Sir

@Jay

It was GREAT meeting you in person as well, Jay. If you could hook up that connection at Inman, that would be cool. I think there’s a chance that when people of that caliber meet, a deal might be worked out. And if it does, I’m pretty damn sure people are going to scream about conversion pains as well.

@Jeremy

That may very well be. But from where I’m standing it seems to me like the lack of innovation comes from associations not demanding it. I bet you if HAR pulled the plug on Tempo, they would feel it in their pocketbook and implement changes very soon.

@Ken

My initial concern with the conference was that it would be too Social Media 101 like. But you are right when you say that there was something for every level there on Wednesday.

@Sarah

Since you misspelled my name, I’m paying you back Seriously though, it was a pleasure meeting you in person. After meeting Drew last year, it seems to me that Zillow’s been hiring all the cool people. Jeff’s presentation was magnetic!

@Ben

Oh you can export data, but it’s utterly useless as content unless you wanna put in a couple of hours of Excel brainfrying.

Are you positive about exporting data? I use charts in my appraisal reports and they have instructions on how to export comps from nearly every MLS system available: http://www.1004-mc.com/mls-1004mc-compatability.aspx

Seriously- I have done a number of these types of events around the country and it is amazing the impact of how an MLS is run can have on the overall attitude and education level of its members. For example, the general internet knowledge of agents in a city where the MLS hasn’t gotten into listing syndication is radically different than a city that has. Same is true for MLSs that have Web 2.0 ed. This event in other cities could have had a much different vibe and results. It is cool to see how many agents are already starting to try to implement what they learned, as evidenced by the friend requests and twitter followers I have picked up in the last 24 hours. Very cool.

Also wanted to say that I was blown away by Jeff Turner’s presentation. Definitely go see him if you ever get the chance. Jay, see you at Inman. And Ken, see you in a few weeks back in Houston!

This was an interesting blend of information, on a level that was edible hungry beginners and some desert style stuff for digital veterans. Of course, I was on a panel so I could be full of self-biased BS?

I’m no expert, but when I talk to experts like you and others, they share the same sad story. Tempo sucks, there are better platforms available.

Nice Recap Erion

It was GREAT to meet you in Houston!

HAR is definitely on the leading edge of what they provide their membership.

But I can attest that Tempo sucks.

Our MLS converted from Tempo to FlexMLS and it’s like night and day. The conversion was painful, as any major change is, but well worth the effort.

I’m sure I’ll run into Bob Hale (a genuinely good guy) in a couple of weeks at Inman. I’ll see if I can get him and Mike Wurzer (CEO of FlexMLS) together….

1. You list facts and you do it in an engaging way.
2. You dont pull any punches.

I wasnt at HAR. And, I dont use Tempo. To be honest, I have no feedback on this matter in any way except to say that you could write names from the freakin white pages and I would read it.

Nice work.