…all have said their peace and the greater audience can make up their own mind…

The “greater audience” is very important to me when it comes to comments. I like to think that the blogs I write and the comments that follow them, because they live on in perpetuity on the internet, may provide insight to someone in the future. Someone might look back at the back and forth comments and think up a new theory, idea, gadget, gizmo, law, rule…you get the picture.

I was one of those that voted for Bob (after I realized we were supposed to vote for non-contributors). Bob probably has commented more on my posts than anyone else has and I look forward to reading what he has to say. On this particular issue we disagree, but he did give me something to think about.

Because I used the words “wasting time” and “game” I think I directed the conversation in a certain way. I have been thinking about that post a lot and wonder if I had worded things differently what the conversation would have been like. I don’t think I would have had Bob championing Foursquare as a tool, but I think his comments may have been totally different in nature.

Perhaps, the title should have been:
“Foursquare: Possible Real Estate Uses”
“Foursquare As A Social Connector”
“Localize Your Foursquare Friends And Open A New Network”

It would be interesting to go back in time and see…

Bob is me with 20 years experience? From what I know of Bob, I’ll take that as a huge compliment.

I think it’s important to think of how and when to react. Obviously, if anyone knows a bit about me, they’ll know that I like a little bit of disagreement. It challenges my way of thinking. Benn’s a great example of this. If you go through some of my posts and see some of the comments he’s left – he challenges me to think harder all the time. Benn made a comment about feeling “like a proud father” once about me and I can tell you, I often feel like a “proud son” to him because of his way of challenging me to constantly think and re-think my opinions, theories, and ideas.

I learned early on (pre-real estate, during band forum days) that there are times when it’s best to just let someone shout what they have to say and not “counter-attack.” Of course, this was kids trying to out-do each other in insults, not a professional blog such as we have here. This was not an attack, but a thoughtful discussion between two people – very different, but easily could be turned into one, if Bob and I were not willing to discuss.

As for the compliment, all I can say is a simple “thanks.” You’re a wickedly crafty writer and to hear that from you gives me a boost this morning.

Bob was voted 2008s most valuable commenter here at AG by writers unanimously because he isn’t biased, just writes what he thinks, but from Bobs own words in private conversations, every comment he leaves is thought over and over before he presses submit. I wish more folks commented like Bob comments, his passion for this business is on sleeve and would gladly give that same sleeve to anyone that needed it. You’re so right in judging his character, and knowing you both you’d be surprised at how much you two are actually alike. I actually think he might be you with 20 years of experience in this biz.