One of the funny things about my current RSS Blackout is that much of the fluff has been removed from my Internet life.
Previously, I had been using my RSS reader to scan EVERYTHING that went on, and then I was deciding what looked interesting to me. Now, however, without RSS, I am having to rely on others to tell me what is interesting to THEM. That is a significant difference. I have to pay closer attention to conversation. I like it.
One such thing that came up in conversation (on Twitter, incidentally) was the feature article in the March 2008 edition of REALTOR Magazine. The article is entitled, “Welcome to Real Estate 2.0.” (for some insight into the controversy this might cause, see Benn’s take) The article is all about agents using Web 2.0 tools (blogging, social networking, etc.) to do business more effectively.
St. Paul Uber-Blogger Teresa Boardman was featured prominently in the article, along with many others. For a more complete list of all those mentioned, check out Jim Cronin, of the Real Estate Tomato, who posted a good rundown of the article and one of his clients, who was also featured in the story.
This article is significant in that is shows that, contrary to what many have believed, the National Association of REALTORS does have Web 2.0 on its radar, which is definitely a good thing. I’ll have more analysis of the article and its potential impact when I have some time to read, mark, and inwardly digest the whole thing. After a brief perusal of the article, I can say that one of my favorite parts has to be the final section, called “Well-Known Real Estate Bloggers.” Although, I admit that I can be horribly biased in that respect. 
Kudos to all of the agents, bloggers, and members of the web 2.0 real estate movement who were mentioned in the article. Kudos to NAR, as well, for recognizing the talent and commitment of these fine people.
