I’ve seen too many stoopid posts that do nothing but promote an agent. To me, that is a much worse thing than paying for solid content.

The best thing is to use your own voice, but a ghost writer could definitely help push the industry forward.

Although, some interested would-be bloggers could use a hand when it comes to content ideas. And not all of us find our voice right off the bat! So I think it’s important to offer suggestions and ideas to build upon.

I’m not a fan of regurgitated content, unless it’s something you can add value to or important when applied in your industry.

And yes, the best content comes from your own experience…your prior knowledge (client questions, niche info, your expertise, etc). When you share your experiences with people, it gives them something they can sink their teeth into and relate to….providing greater transparency.

I mean, I subscribe to MMG (Mortgage Market Guide), but if I used what they said all I am doing is being a parrot (not to mention plagiarizing). That does nothing but make me look bad or like everyone else.

If MMG says I should recommend floating (as they did today) and explains why, that makes me appear intelligent to some, but when asked to ellaborate, I wouldn’t be able to if I do not understand the real reasons why. (BTW, I suggest locking right now, not floating, and I have my reasons).

So, it goes back to my point (and Benn’s main one). Blogging should be an extension of yourself. It should be as if you were talking with your client or business partner and you should be able to demonstrate your expertise easily when asked to ellaborate on your post.

I really like your idea about recruiting stay at home Moms to write about their neighborhood. If done right this could become a neighborhood portal, and add value for both the Realtor and the residents. A big step beyond Google juice.

I love your local niche neighborbood contributor idea though. If your goal is to infiltrate your farm or niche area, than getting thoughts and opinions from local residents is definitely one way to get the job done. Interviewing local business owners and community volunteers can help too. But if your focus is being the niche expert, you should provide YOUR expertise from time to time. And having a posting plan to incorporate your own industy articles with outsourced ones would keep you well organized and on track.

I don’t read a celeb’s book to learn to buy real estate in my hometown. I read an experts, I read trusted names, I read to grow understanding- if youre just writing to write then youre writing for google.

I thought the whole purpose of blogging was for it to be an “extension of one’s self”. I like to blog as if I was talking to a client (or business partner) and I cannot pay anyone to do that for me.

My feeling is that if a client contacts you about a post, you better know why it is there and be prepared to ellaborate on it. Failure to do so will show you as untrustworthy or a fraud.