Apologies to the Star Trek writers for using their theme for inspiration, but the fact is this is my very first blog post, and I am boldly going forward to where so many of you have already been. My hesitation with technology started with the frustrations of programming vcr's back in the day, I still am hesitant to embrace new technology though I know I must. So in the spirit of adventure I find myself preparing to launch my own website, dealing with new terminology (what is WYSIWYG anyway? and feeling as if tech support is speaking to me in Sanscrit. No matter, I'll survive and prosper and I'm looking forward to the support and help from the Active Rain community in my journey.
Thanks for visiting. For information or if you would like to search for homes in the Georgetown/Round Rock/Cedar Park areas with no hassle or obligation be sure and check out Austin/Williamson County Texas Home Search
I'm rather new at this myself. Good luck, it does get easier.
You appear to have good instincts for blogging.
This post has some of the critical elements, i.e., attention grabbing title, content with humor and proper homage to ActiveRain.
BTW, WYSIWYG is not Sanskrit. It's Cuneiform.
Welcome and we look forward to more.
Why thank you both, Tammie and Lenn, two responses in two minutes.. instant gratification! You are both very encouraging and helpful. Thanks.
WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get. Great job on getting featured! (^.^)
Welcome Mike - Plunging right in is the only way to go. Look forward to tons of encouragement and some of the best "continuing education" you could possibly find.
Michael
WAMIF? Wait a min, I'm featured? Beginners luck I guess.
Mike,
Welcome to ActiveRain and beginners luck, don't think so appears you are a natural :)
Congratulations
Sharon
Mike, welcome and congratulations! Love your profile photo, too... when you have a chance, you may want to join some of the groups for dog and pet people :)
Hi Mike -- Best of luck to you. With those Dr. Spock ears of yours, you'll be in-tune to the changes underway in our field. :)
Keep it up, Mike! You're just going to be so intrigue with your new world around you... I'm so excited for you.
Permission to come aboard ensign.
and note, that active rain is the rosetta stone to this civilization.
Hi Mike -
I love your analogy to your dog - always on alert.... You could totally add to that theme (able to sniff out a good deal for my clients, e.g., etc.) Awesome marketing approach!
What a reception! Thanks again for the comments. I've missed the daily interaction with other Realtor's since leaving the large brokerage and becoming independent. I can't wait to become fully involved again. I will check out the other groups to join, pets for sure, and I would especially like to chat with those who can help set up my web site.
Welcome to ActiveRain! You will receive so much support and help from the members who blog here!
My hesitation with technology started with the frustrations of programming vcr's back in the day, I still am hesitant to embrace new technology though I know I must.
Hey Mike
Don't hesitate. Jump on in! The water's fine. ActiveRain is a great place to learn all kinds of things, plus meet a bunch of wonderful people. If this old dog can blog (I'm 55) ANYONE can.
P.S. My son programs all the electronics at our house. :)
Looks like you are off to a great start, Mike. I'm pretty new here myself, though I have lots of technology experience. Putting it all together and using it efficiently and effectively and not just for the sake of it - that's the key! People here are a great source of support and ideas to help do just that.
Mike - Welcome to ActiveRain! This is a great place to learn, you are going to love it here.
Congrats for the feature today! Bully for you. Welcome to AR, you'll love it here.
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Good first post. Who ever heard of being featured with your first one? WTG.
We who are here were once there. Where ever here or there is? "Are we there yet?" None the less... No matter where I go, there I am. Welcome to the Rain. Should be fun.
Ok, had to laugh at your "instant gratification" comment. You're going to fit it really WELL around here! Welcome!
WAMIF? Wait a min, I'm featured?
That made me laugh out loud. Hey, I'm not sure if you realize it, but #2 is the Queen herself....Lenn Harley. You'll look back on that in a year and be so flattered by her response. Welcome to AR!!! I know you'll love it here!
Hi Mike. Welcome to AR. I was just about one year ago that I had my website designed and started blogging here. I had have a fantastic year because of it. So now that you have started bloggin, do not stop and you will learn, have fun, and your business will explode. Enjoy the ride.
Quite a reception for a first day online....thanks again to all. I apologise in advance if I inadvertently step on any toes through ignorance, and I'm certainly glad I didnt' inadvertently insult any royalty on here. The queen huh? cool!
That is quite an accomplishment having your first AR blog featured! Way to goo.
You are the right track... Congrat's on the feature. And contrat's and taking the leap into the blogging world.
Well Mike, it only took me over a year and over 500 posts to get a featured post and you get a featured post on your first try.
Congratulations and welcome to AR
With an attitude like that, you should live long and prosper...
Welcome. We can learn together. Congrats on the feature.
When blogging keep your tongue in your mouth so you don't drool on the key board. Just a tip when I saw your profile picture.
Congratulations on the featured first post! Keep this up and you'll be a top activerainer in no time. Welcome!
You'll find that Activerain is a good place to pick up sensible technical tips in regular language. When you get warmed up, check out Coach Katerina's Blog here on the Rain. She has lots of resources on leveraging technology for your RE biz. (And I just discovered she wrote about me when I went to copy the link!) Thanks Coach K!
Well, that's how it works here. A community of people that help each other out. (and argues over issues from time to time! ;-) )
As an underground Treker, let me respond in the most appropriate way...
Blog long...and prosper.
Welcome to Activerain,
Dan
Well I was going to answer the Wissie-Wig question (WYSIWYG), but somebody already did. Good luck in your new hobby!
congrats
congrats on your first post and you will find it does get addicting.
Lenn Harley comment #2 just gave you the secrect formula -- the 11 herbs and spices! You got a FEATURE as a result. Do you know how many of use SUFFERED long blog hours before getting that nod?
Cute dog. Do he bite?
Join GROUPS! Post your blogs to GROUPS (they can FEATURE your blog too). Join a LOT of groups, and also comment, comment, comment.
You are going to love it here. Feel free to do a search on website direction, video, or any advice. You will be surprised what you find. Welcome!
Welcome to Active Rain. Like Lenn said, you've done well - just look at the attention grabbing title.
As to where to go from here, take a look at Brad Andersohn's posts.
Was that the real meaning of WYSIWIG or I am being gullible?
Congratulations on the feature, Mike, and cute dog!
You done good... a feature on the the first post... all good!
Welcome to ActiveRain, and congrats on getting such a big response to your first post. Kudos to Lenn for the cuneiform reference. Haven't heard that in awhile.
Welcome Mike. Love the photo! You'll soon discover that making the decision to be a part of the Active Rain community is the best decision you've made this year. There are over 160,000 of us here, ready willing and able to help you find the answers to your tech questions.
Mike! Way to jump in... I'm sure you will be amazing in the Rain!
☛ Congratulations on the feature☺☺☺ Being a Trekie myself, I too go boldly where some have been or fear to tread. You have boldly accomplished something that I do not think that any Newbie has accomplished - getting a feature with your first post. I know many that have written hundreds of posts and have yet to get a feature. ☞ Congratulations ☜
Helping you live your American dream...
VCR? what is that ?
Welcome to the family!
Great going Mike. Good luck!
Cuneiform - Now where did you get that Lenn! I had to Google that one!
Mike:
Welcome to Active Rain. You will find that this is a good place to "Klingon" to.
Best of luck!
Mike, go get 'em. Cute dog, too. Just be consistent and you'll get results.
Welcome to AR and congrats on your feature. I'm looking forward to reading your future blog posts.
WOw! - a feature on your first post! You're a star already. Welcome and you'll love the rain.
Welcome, welcome, welcome! You won't believe the amazing amount of wealth you have at your fingertips! You are off to a great start ... welcome to the rain!
Mike: Welcome! What better way to get started than with a Featured post. Congratulations. Jump right in ... the Rain here is comfortable ... rarely wet or cold, always helpful!
Mike, welcome and congratulations. We are sure you will do well. Wishing you continued success, R & A
Mike - welcome aboard - this community is full of support on all levels. It is not necessary to spend a fortune on a website. Start with simple and informative - I pay about 15 bucks a month for mine, and it works so well for me with blogging here and linking to the website pages. Call me anytime if you need any help or ideas with your blog.
Dive in head first. Its fine in the 'Rain.
Lots of ideas, help and a few squabbles. Sounds like family to me.
Welcome! I think your our first AR german shepard.
Mike...
Congratulations on stepping up and out. When it comes to how to use AR your very best resource is going to be Brad, also fondly known as Blog-N-Roll Brad. Once you've gotten to know him you'll understand his nickname :)
I would also suggest you subscribe to AR's Upper Management's Blogs. They can all be found at the bottom of every page on AR. Just click on About and they'll be right there. You'll find that the Guys and Gals are very hands on when it comes to AR.
Now how about a picture of yourself? Pretty please? :)
TLW...ROAR!
I will definately check the Upper Management Blogs for hints and information although Upper Management sounds like the principal's office...hope I don't get sent to detention. Regarding the pic, I will incorporate my mug but whenever I turn the camera over to my assistant Wiley the Dog, he keeps licking the camera and messing up the lens. Maybe my wife will help and take a picture of both of us for the profile. Thanks to all for the good responses
Hi Mike,
You're gonna love it here at AR. I'm new too, but enjoying the rain!
Verlyn
Mike, Welcome to Active Rain! Active Rain is a great place to share your knowledge, expertise and thoughts, as well as network and learn so much from the vast pool of talent already onboard.
Welcome Aboard and Much Success!