ActiveRain - The Official ActiveBlog

Resources for ActiveRain Training and Support

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:06:17 -0600

Resources for ActiveRain Training and Support

Are you a new member on ActiveRain? Are you looking for the manual or guide? Do you have questions, feel lost or overwhelmed by all the cool stuff ActiveRain has to offer? Help is here, but do you know where to find it? Many of the questions, calls, emails, and tickets I receive always start off with, "How do I.....?"

Here are some of the best resources for ActiveRain training, coaching, and support.

Getting Started on ActiveRain - A post to help you get started
The "Getting Started" link located on the main ActiveRain Page

ActiveRain Training Webinars - Webinars for new members
Webinars held Tuesdays and Thursdays - Here's the Calendar

ActiveRain University & On-line Campus - "Live" support webinars.
Training, Q&A, Support, Presenters, Guest Speakers 3 X per week.

Real Estate RainCamps - "Live" Conference for Members and Non-Members
RainCamp.com teaches you more in a day than you could learn in a year

The Help/FAQ Group - Multitude of member contributed tutorials
Help/FAQ group provides members a place to share and learn

ActiveRain Newbies - A Group every new member should join
ActiveRain Newbies Group 9366 subscribers - 20,518 posts

The ActiveRain Guide - Blog featuring multi-authored Instructions
ActiveRainGuide.com culmination of members posts to support YOU

The "Search" Tool - Keyword or Phrase Search Tool for members
Searching ActiveRain couldn't be easier using the AR "Search"

ActiveRain Ambassadors - Local Ambassadors Reaching Out
Experienced members helping new and existing members

Member Services - The ActiveRain Team and Support Staff
These are the folks at ActiveRain keeping the heartbeat pumping

The ActiveRain Manual - Blog posts written for members needing help
This is an eBook I have been building since I joined ActiveRain back in 02/07

Technical Support - support@activerain.com

Now that you've seen all the places to learn and get support, are you still unsure where to start? Here's my suggestion. If I were brand new to ActiveRain, or had signed up a while back and were just returning, I would make it a point to at least visit each of the above links to become familiar with what help, support, and training is available here, then I would go sign up for one or two of Steven Graham's Training webinars.

For details on what's covered, here's a link.

We are constantly trying to improve and enhance the Network and Community. We will continue trying to provide you with the support and necessary tools and training to help you make the most and best use of your time here. If you are new to ActiveRain, we welcome you aboard. If you're a returning member and notice things look a bit different around here, then this post is for you too, and we welcome you back. I'm excited and looking forward to witnessing your growth and successes in the "Rain!"

The ABC's of ActiveRain

ActiveRain Blogging Can Deliver Excellent Feeds Google Harnesses. Individuals Journaling Knowledge, Literally Manifests Numerous Opportunities Producing Quality Results. So Try Utilizing Various Wisdoms, X-ert Yourself Zestfully! Wow, that was kinda fun! :-)

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The ActiveRain Point System

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:35:25 -0600

The ActiveRain Point System

ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community. While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.

ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which "Starts Monday morning at 12:00am Central Time, and Ends Sunday night at 11:59pm Central Time."

The following are some ways you can earn points and move up the "Featured Member" ladder in your Local Area.

200 Points for each Blog Post
(Max 10 per Week) (50 Word Minimum Required)
25 Additional Points when Post is added to Channels with a Topic
400 Points for Featured Post on ActiveRain.com
(Excludes Posts Featured in ActiveRain Groups)
25 Points For Each Comment
(Max 10 Per Day) (Comments on Your Own Posts Excluded)
25 Points for Each Reblogged Post
(Max 10 Per Week - These do not Include Your Own Posts)
ActiveRain Profile Points
(Building Your AR Profile will Build points)
Received Comments on Blog Posts
(No Blog Post to exceed 475 pts.)
100 Points - Logging In To ActiveRain Each Day
(This applies 7 days a week)
250 Points When Someone Accepts Your AR Invitation
(Must Sign Up under Members Invite Code)
10% of Total Points Earned By New Members Invited By You
(IE: Invited Member Earns 1000 pts. - You Earn 100 Pts.)
ActiveRain and Member Approved Contests - Points Will Vary
(These show up as Bonus Points in your Point Summary)
Staff Awarded Bonus Points - These are issued by the AR staff
(Member Humanitarian, Paying It Forward, Helping Others etc.)

Weekly Point Scenario: The potential of points available per week, per member would be as follows: 1750 for max comments, 2000 for max Blog posts, 700 for logging in daily, 250 for adding to Channels/Topics, and 250 for max ReBlogged posts. The Weekly potential of points would be 4950 (this does not include featured posts, comments received, invitation and percentage points, contests, and staff awarded bonus points.)

Point Disclaimer: The Points System created by the ActiveRain Network was developed and implemented to motivate, inspire, and reward members for their participation and involvement within the community. These points are subject to change at the discretion of the ActiveRain Mgmt. Team, with or without cause, warning, or notice.

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ActiveRain University Training & Support Classes

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:43:48 -0600

The ActiveRain University on-line Campus is one of the best ways to learn everything about the ActiveRain Community and the Social Media World. Every day, we are offering classes for our members and guests. It's not just for new "RainMakers" either, it's for you too. We've added intermediate and advanced classes and are having experienced members and outside experts come in to present, share, and show you their tips and secrets.

Each class is about one hour using our ActiveRain University (ARU) on-line platform so you can access these sessions from just about anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. Every day we're offering sessions like: New Member training, Open Q&A Sessions, Guided Tours of the Community and more (listed below). A variety of classes are now available, you can pre-register on the ARU Calendar.

Announcing our NEXT class, you won't want to miss it, so come join us!

NEXT CLASS:

THURSDAY - March 11th, 2010
10:00 -11:00am (PST)

"7 Secrets To Facebook Page Success"

Mike Mueller knows Facebook Better Than the 400,000,000 existing users on the site!
Presented By: Mike Mueller

Future classes include: Intro to Blogging - Introduction to ActiveRain - ActiveRain Community Tour - Growing a Following - Zero to Page 1 on Google - Copyright & Plagiarism - Facebook for Business - Twitter for Business - LinkedIn for Business - Building Your Private Referral Network - Taking AR into the Real World - Adding AR to your Listing Presentation - Advanced SEO Tips & Techniques - Vendor Advertising on ActiveRain - On-line Marketing - Putting Your Business on Google - Meet The ActiveRain Team - Creating and Maximizing Outside Blogs - Lead Generation with Hit Router - The Power of AR Groups - Time Management & Blogging - Reaching Your Real Estate & Financial Goals - and more.

Visit the ActiveRain University Calendar for details and to register.

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An ActiveRain Conduit - Toolbar for Your WEB Browser

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:30:14 -0600

The ActiveRain Conduit - A Nifty Toolbar for Your Internet WEB Browser

This may be one of my coolest and greatest inventions EVER!! If you can believe that... lol~

ActiveRain members and even non-members should consider adding this toolbar to their Internet WEB Browsers. It will work with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The toolbar gives you easy and instant access to some of the most viewed pages and important helpful tools on ActiveRain. I think you'll find it to be a very useful tool. Here's some of the features and cool stuff it has:

The ActiveRain Real Estate Network Toolbar - Will help you "Stay Connected" easily and instantly.

Access ActiveRain.com with a single click
Pull-Down menu to select from ALL Industry Affiliates
Search the AR Network for members or any topic
One Click Access to Important Member "Must Read" info
HELP Menu for Manuals, Guides, Training & Support
Easy Access to AR Features from an RSS menu
Link to Search and Sort ALL ActiveRain Blog Posts
One-Click Access to the ActiveRain Staff and Team
Live Updates, Announcements & ActiveRain Broadcasts

You can easily download the toolbar for your specific browsers and remove it just as easily if needed. Take a moment to try it out, see some things you may not have known existed, and let me know what you think? Once you download the toolbar and add it to your browser, you'll see how easy it is. Most likely, your "wheels" will start spinning and you'll be wondering how you can create a "custom toolbar" for your Site, Services, Blog, or Clients Browsers? I'll show you how, and the best part is that it's easy and FREE!

I hope you'll check it out, I'm really excited about this one... :-)

Select YOUR Browser below to Install the AR Toolbar

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RainCamp Los Angeles - The Date and Venue Are Set

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:51:17 -0600

RainCamp Los Angeles - The Date and Venue Are Set

Many have been asking me when...When... WHEN is RainCamp coming to Southern California? We just received our confirmation so I'm typing this as fast as I can. Los Angeles it is - May 15th, 2010. Mark your calendars and register quickly, we only have about 300 seats open, and only 84 Platinum seats available with tables and power for your laptops. That is about 1/2 the size of an average RainCamp in a much bigger real estate market. The other auditorium seating will only have your laps available and no electrical power.

Download a Full Color Map.

RainCampLA will be hosted at Loyola Marymount University in the "Hilton 100" Room. - 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045. (310) 338-2700. Check out the new RainCamp.com, we have our schedule posted there and all the information you'll need for each and every RainCamp event!

We're really very excited to be coming to Los Angeles, we might have to stay a couple extra days just so we can meet up after with so many of our AR friends and family down there.

"I was lucky to attend the first RainCamp in Seattle. The investment of time and money has been well worth every penny and minute! I am a believer! As an attendee of the first RainCamp, I say "Save the date" and make time in your busy schedule!!! You will be astonished..."
Paul Henderson - Lacey, WA

Click on any venue below to Register for one or all RainCamp events!

"I have been to a slew of events that over-promised and under-delivered, often nothing more than expensive sales pitches from people who didn't even want to be in the field anymore. What impressed me was that Ben Kinney is simply sharing what he's actively doing. Very useful information all day!"
J Philip Faranda - Westchester County, NY

"I have received three phone calls in the last two days as A DIRECT RESULT of what I learned at RainCamp"
John Cannata - Dallas, TX

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RainCamp Reviews & Testimonials

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:52:34 -0600

Having recently been to Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and now on our way to Dallas Texas, I wanted to share what others who have attended these RainCamps experienced, and are sharing with us. This Review and Testimonial Lens is starting to grow with some great testimonials and feedback. There's some new Blog posts, member comments, a few photos and video, and a "live" twitter feed. The RainCamp "cloud" is beginning to take form.

If you attended any of the RainCamps, or plan to this year, we'd love to get your feedback and add it to The RainCamp Page. We are all about making RainCamp "The BEST" it can be and are only able to do that with your help and support. Share with us what you liked best, and we'll make it even better. Based on many of the posts and comments, it looks like we're on the right track.

There's a feedback section available at the bottom of the page, just click the RainCamp button below.

Reviews HERE

If you have already written a post or review about RainCamp and would like it added, just leave me a link, I apologize if I may have missed it when putting this together. You can also just leave a review or comment here, and I'll take care of the rest. We'll be updating the page often with reviews and comments from each event going forward. Can't wait to see yours. :-)

So come experience "Rainergy" then share your thoughts and experience with us. We love hearing from you.

I've really enjoyed travelling around and meeting so many of you in person. I'm excited and looking forward to seeing and meeting many more of you at future RainCamps, especially this one coming up in Dallas, I get to wear my Cowboy Hat and Boots! (Big Smile)

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How To Get Your Blog Posts "Viral" Exposure on Twitter and Facebook

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:29:32 -0500

How To Get Your Blog Posts Viral Exposure on Twitter and Facebook

As important as Location, Location, Location is to Real Estate, so is the importance of Exposure, Exposure, Exposure to Bloggers. Some Bloggers offer their subscribers, readers, and visitors the ability to "share" their content with others via Twitter or Facebook. ActiveRain has the ReBlog Option, just like Wordpress and Blogger are doing now, but that only works for other AR members. Here's a way to help get your "Voice Heard" and your "Posts Seen" on two of the other Largest Social Networks in the World, and here's how others can help you do it.

"Tweets" and "ReTweets" are quite popular as is "Sharing on FaceBook." I've just discovered a way that you can now do both. I think you're going to like this. It's simple. Just create and add a "Tweet" button, or a custom "Share" graphic, then create a link to it just like you would any other photo or image. You can even use text with a hyper-link. Here's the secret: you just need to replace the "BOLD" URL below with your page that you want shared. You will need to keep the underlined portion of the code below for each button to work.

Tweet Code: http://twitter.com/home?status=http://PlaceYourPageURLHere

For A ReTweet Code: http://twitter.com/home?status=RT%20http://PutYourPageURLHere

Share on FaceBook Code:http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://AddYourPageURLHere

Now some of you may be thinking, why not just use the "Sharethis" or "AddThis" widget? Well you still can, and they do have more options, but the millions of Social Networking consumers out there are probably more use to seeing the Tweet, ReTweet, and Share on FaceBook buttons. Familairity may play more of a role here than we think. Not to mention, using this method is quick, easy, and only "one click" away from accomplishing the readers goal. To Share!

So starting right now, you can begin letting the 100 million members that logon to Facebook each day, and the 14,590,000 Twitter accounts (guesstimation) share your great content with others on Facebook and Twitter. Word of Caution: This will not work for "Members Only" and "Associates Only" posts on AR. It will work on any "Public" Blog, Post, or Website.

Taking the idea one step further. If you have an AR Outside Blog, make sure that the Link you provide to your "Tweet" and "Share on FaceBook" buttons go to the post on your AR Outside Blog and not to your Internal AR Blog. This will help increase exposure and traffic to your Outside Blogs. All your "outbound" links should always go to your Outside Blog posts. Getting SEO and traffic to your Blogs is a great thing, but letting others share, and making it easy for them may be just as powerful.

Now let's talk about the 35 million members on LinkedIn?!? :-O

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RainCamp Las Vegas - A Gamble Worth Taking

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:47:15 -0600

RainCamp Las Vegas - The Highest "Payout" Odds in Nevada!

RainCamp™ Las Vegas is confirmed for April 1st, 2010. This is NOT an April Fool, but it is a great opportunity to get away for the weekend, enjoy mixing some business with pleasure, and be one of our guests in the Ballroom Theater at UNLV. What happens in Vegas, won't stay in Vegas this time, you'll be able to bring home what you learn, along with everything else that happens, and begin applying it immediately to your Social Media and Marketing Business Plan.

Lot's of our friends and members are coming this year to "soak" up the "rain" and they're coming from all over. Why? Because it's Vegas baby, and who'd want to miss out on that? Register for a seat, book your flight, get a room, bring your suitcase and Vegas dining attire, throw in your laptop, cellphone, some aspirin, and a couple extra bucks for site seeing and for some extra curricular activities, and COME ON DOWN!!!

We're going to make an entire weekend of fun out of it, throw in a RainCamp™, have an awesome AR Gathering after, and we want you ALL to come be part of it. We'd love to see all 175,000 members show up at this one. There's no good excuses, you deserve it, so come help us make this the Best ActiveRain Gathering of all time. It will be more fun than one person should be allowed to have, I promise! :-)

RainCamp™.com

What Is RainCamp™

RainCamp™ Reviews and Testimonials

DON'T GAMBLE MISSING THIS ONE - REGISTER RIGHT NOW!

Address: Student Union, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154
Maps: Student Union is building #31 on the Parking Map and #30 on the Campus Map.
Maps can be accessed on the UNLV website: http://maps.unlv.edu

I've heard "What Happens In Vegas...Stays on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and ActiveRain!" lol~

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ActiveRain ReBlog Gets A FaceLift - Time To Incorporate It

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:04:42 -0500

I'll be the first to admit, I didn't really like the previous ReBlog graphic/icon as I felt it was too big. It moved my text around making my posts look funny, and it was completely useless for me as the author of my Blog. The value seemed to only be for the ReBlogger. I know there are still mixed opinions about "ReBlogging" and the value of it, so like "open houses" I'll let that controversy continue onward and upward, but not here.

You'll notice this morning that the ReBlog icon has in fact changed, and in my opinion, for the better. I can finally see who has been ReBlogging my posts. The best part is that now you can also Link to the ReBloggers post to see what they might have said about it, or others that may have commented. Think of all the comments you've been missing about your post that was ReBlogged! :-O

This is a great new feature and I really like the look of the "NEW" and "Improved" graphic.
(The AR Tech Team redeems themselves)

You can also ReBlog members posts to appear on your Outside ActiveBlogs. No other Network offers a tool like this, ActiveRain continues to be on the cutting edge of social networking and technology.

HOW TO USE THE REBLOG OPTION:

If it's green it's clean, but if it's Grey with green dots then you've been REBLOGGED!! To ReBlog another members post, just click on the ReBlog button. To view a ReBlogged post and the ReBloggers comments or additions, just click on the green dots below the button. (Just fyi...You cannot ReBlog your own posts) To add the ReBlog option to your Blog posts, when creating the post, just put a check mark in the box that says: then submit post.

HERE'S THE NEW REPORT YOU GET FROM YOUR REBLOGGED POSTS:

IMO - A ReBlogged Post is one of the finest compliments you can give another ActiveRain Member!

I never thought I'd say this, but now I don't mind going back to all my posts and adding the ReBlog option to every single one of them. Especially now that I can see who has ReBlogged me, and what they had to say. Now we can follow the chain and threads on our ReBlogged posts, and the new face-lifted graphic won't affect the layout or design of our posts. I personally like the change and want to thank our guys for listening to the community and for making it happen. Kudos Gents!! :-)

If there were one single Blog post on AR that should be Reblogged by every member here, I'd say it's:

this one!

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How To Get Started on ActiveRain

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:08:36 -0600

How To Get Started on ActiveRain - A quick route to a successful Journey on ActiveRain.

The ActiveRain Staff, along with our members and ambassadors, wish to welcome you to the community. We know you have a choice, and we're glad you've chosen our network as a place to connect with others, support your local neighborhoods and communities, plus grow your business and relationships.

Before you begin your journey here, there's a few areas we invite you to navigate first. This will save you time and give you a better understanding of the Network. We're confident that our site will bring value, benefits, and substantial rewards to you and your business.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
These are REQUIRED and a MUST READ for ALL New Members - NO EXCEPTIONS!

What We Stand For - Weltenschauung
Weltanschauung: The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization. A world view.

The ActiveRain Community Guidelines
Please take these rules seriously.

GETTING STARTED in 3 EASY STEPS
Follow these next steps to get setup on ActiveRain.

How To Setup Your ActiveRain Profile - Completely Customizable
Creating a personal profile is the very first step and the most important. It's ALL about you.

How To Complete Your Profile - Part II
Your profile has three areas that allow you maximize the page. Learn How to use these sections.

How To Use Your "My Settings" Page
Now you are ready to Customize your ActiveRain Settings.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ACTIVERAIN
Social Networking, Connecting and Blogging

ActiveRain Member Success Stories
Read what other industry professionals and members have to share.
Here's A VIDEO version

Understanding ActiveRain Points
Learn about points and how they work on the network.

The RainMaker Membership
Becoming a RainMaker - The Value and The Benefit

READY TO MAKE LIGHTNING, THUNDER AND RAIN
Now that you're a member and RainMaker, put the power tools to work

Top 10 Tools for New Members and RainMakers
Take the time to review what this network has to offer.

ActiveRain Custom Outside Blogs
How To Create and Maximize Your Outside ActiveBlog.

The ActiveRain Starter Kit
Details about more ActiveRain Products, Tools, and Services.

OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU
Use these links to dive deeper in the "Rain" if you need more information

The ActiveRainGuide
A Tutorial Blog by Members for Members

The ActiveRain Staff Blog
The Official ActiveRain TEAM Blog

Help/FAQ Group
A network group created to help members

An ActiveRain eBook Tutorial
Find Almost Anything about ActiveRain here

ActiveRain University
Online Campus for Training and Support

Real Estate RainCamp
"Live" Local Conferences and Seminars

DID YOU KNOW?
ActiveRain is the TOP Real Estate Social Network in the World (source: Google)

The ActiveRain Network hosts over 170,000 RE Industry members averaging 200-300 new members daily. There are more than 1.5 million articles posted, with an average of 700-1000 new posts daily. Two million+ visitors traffic the ActiveRain network each month, over 80% are consumers. Only Rainmaker upgraded accounts receive Google trafﬁc to their blogs and posts. ActiveRain Member's Blog posts receive more than 500 views on average. Activerain is the ONLY on-line Network that offers this wide variety of tools, diverse services, and proven solutions to the Real Estate Industry Professional and for consumers on the WEB.

Best of Luck and Enjoy!

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RainCamp Denver - Taking Business Miles Higher

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:38:08 -0600

RainCamp Denver - "Taking Your Business Miles Higher, and Farther!"

Denver, Colorado is currently preparing for the ActiveRain Thunder and Lightening that's about to hit the City. Last night, as I was leaving RainCamp in Dallas, I received the confirmation that we are now booked and confirmed for Denver, and it's just 3 weeks away. Just yesterday, Kristal Kraft was asking me on Facebook when we'd be bringing RainCamp to her "Mile High" City, so I tossed out a rumor, and a few minutes later, Lauren confirmed it.

This will be the 5th RainCamp on our US tour, and thus far, every one of them has been a sold out packed house. I know the folks in Denver and surrounding areas are going to be very excited to hear that we're on our way over. We're excited to be coming! I've also been told that people in Denver really know how to have a good time. They play hard because they work hard, and when it comes to taking "Care of Business" they've set the standard and bar very high! Maybe that's really why the area is referred to as "mile high?" ;-)

Get registered early for this one, I know it will be sold out faster than the others. I won't try to excite you with all the RainCamp details, there's plenty of posts on AR with all that, but I will tell you to block out your Calendar for March 9th, 2010 and plan on joining us in Denver for one of those "Thunder and Lightning" Rainstorm RainCamps you've heard about. Trust me, it's going to be awesome!

REGISTER NOW!

Now before you leave a comment or question here that says "When are you guys coming to ?????" just know that WE ARE coming to a City close to you soon, and we'll make sure that when we do, and we have all the details confirmed, you'll be the first to know, I promise! :-)

Special thanks to Kerrie, Lauren, Christa, and Doug for their behind the scenes efforts, they make it happen!

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RainCamp™ in Dallas Texas - THE BIG ONE!

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:35:59 -0600

RainCamp™ is Headed To Dallas Texas

We are confirmed with a venue and all the details for Dallas Texas RainCamp™. With eveything now in place, this will be the best RainCamp™ EVER! The entire ActiveRain staff have worked tirelessly to put this one together, trust me, you won't want to miss it.

One of the key benefits of RainCamp™ is learning the time tested and proven concepts and ideas that are ready to implement into your business and social media networking plan immediately. The "Secrets To Success" we share and the information we deliver can take months to research, gather, and implement. We'll show you how to use and implement many powerful tools in a Single Day!

Tuesday - February 16th, 2010

Cityplace Conference and Event Center
2711 North Haskell Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75204
Phone: 214-515-5100 - Fax: 214-515-5199

www.chgcityplace.com

RainCamp™ Event Details and Information:

- 9am-5pm, registration at 8am

- We will have a special event from 5pm-7pm with details announced the day of RainCamp™.
- Power will be available for Platinum Supporters and Premium Seating only

- There is Limited seating so it will sell out fast!

To reserve your seat, register below.

"RAINCAMP™" Platinum Pass Includes:

Reserved Platinum seating in the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
Hosted VIP lunch at RainCamp™ with ActiveRain CEO Jonathan Washburn and RainCamp™ speakers,
Ben Kinney, Brad Andersohn, and Bob Stewart.
RainCamp™ T-shirt exclusive for Platinum supporters
Premium RainCamp™ tote with surprise give-aways
Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge at RainCamp
Invitation to VIP after party, including appetizers
Latest cutting edge social media instruction e-book by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan
Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge on ActiveRain Blog or Profile page
Access to VIP registration line

"RAINCAMP™" Premium Seating Includes:

Reserved Premium seating near the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
Access to VIP registration line

We also want to thank our Platinum Sponsor for their continued Support.

RainCamp™ - San Francisco

RainCamp™ - New York

RainCamp™ - Seattle

RainCamp™ - Dallas Texas

(Your Photo and Face Belong Here)

We receive so many great comments and testimonials, thank you. RainCamp IS an event you can't miss!

Keep current with all RainCamp™ events both previous and future at RainCamp.com. Each RainCamp™ event will be posted and announced as details and venues become available and confirmed. The Twitter Hashtag for RainCamp™ is #raincamp if you want to follow along with "live" feeds from each event.

RainCamp™ - "Because the way we do business has changed!"

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The New CSS Styling Option for Activerain Outside Blogs

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:12:12 -0500

Today, Jorgen Hahn announced the *NEW* Chameleon "Theme" for ActiveRain Outside Blogs. Unlike all the other themes available, this one has CSS Styling capability. STOP! Don't PANIC. We're here to help you understand what CSS is, how it works, and how to use it. DO NOT CUSTOMIZE your CSS enabled template or Outside Blog Theme until you absolutely understand how it works and what it does. You could really mess up your Blog. This is for ADVANCED USERS with knowledge of CSS Styling. Having said that, I'll try and break it down, make it simpler and easier to understand, and help you feel comfortable with this new feature.

Those of you who are proficient with CSS styling, you're free to go, have fun customizing your Outside Blogs.

So What Is CSS?

CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets

This in simple terms just means the formatting and style of your page or Blog and how it will appear to visitors. It allows you the ability to customize your Outside Blog to be unique, and look any way you choose. It's a very powerful and advanced tool for those using the new CSS Styling theme. If you want to know more details about CSS Styling, you can go to http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_intro.asp for some basic details. Before trying to understand CSS, you should try to have a basic understanding of HTML / XHTML.

What Can I Do With CSS Styling?

You can set your background color or use an image. You might want to change the color, font size and font type of your text. You can customize borders, outlines, margins, padding, tables, dimensions, classifications and a ton more. Take a breath, relax, and count to 10.

This tutorial walks you through each of these areas.

Where Can I get Help or Learn More?

WEB3schools.com is a great site that I have referred to on many occasions to learn what I can about this stuff, and then share with others. It's an easy way to get started understanding this techy stuff. Though this may be making your head spin at this point, It is worth every bit of your time and effort to at least understand what it is, what it does, and how it works. Another option is to have someone else you know and trust just do this for you. :-)

Try It Out For Yourself - You Can't Break This Part!

Let me show you some samples of what changing your CSS Styling can look like.

I've added this link so you can practice - CLICK HERE.

Finally, don't be intimidated by this NEW POWER offered on ActiveRain, instead, try to harness it and use it to enhance and better your Outside Blogs. I will be testing out this new theme in the days ahead, and seeing what I can do to provide you more clear and concise instructions with some samples on using CSS to maximize the look and feel of your NEW customizable Blog Theme.

Beginning CSS - Tutorial from FREETutorials (Part 1of 5)

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A Call to All Members - ActiveRain University Wants You!

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:18:09 -0600

ActiveRain University Wants You!!

Now that the ActiveRain University is underway providing training and support sessions for our members, we want to send out this invitation to ALL members inviting them to come present at our new on-line campus. We are looking for volunteer members who wish to share their knowledge, successes, and "how-to's" with the rest of the community. We already have a few interested members who are willing and want to come share their secrets and tips on what has made them successful using their Blogs, Internet Marketing, and Social Media skills.

In the weeks ahead, we are inviting Special Guest Speakers, Presenters, and Trainers that are very influential in the Industry. Folks who are in the trenches using their knowledge and experience to benefit in today's economy and Real Estate Market, and who are excited about coming to join us and share. At some point soon, we will also open up sessions and classes for some of our AR Business Builders and Vendors to come in and share how to use their products and services more effectively and efficiently.

We already have our first ActiveRain member, Jennifer Martin who has agreed to come share with you, her insights and experience which stemmed from a comment she left on Kerrie Greenhalgh's "Success in the RAIN" Blog post. The date and time for her class will be this Friday at 3:00pm (see calendar for pre-registration)

Here is a link to our Speaker/Trainer Registration form. Just a couple things we need to know so that we can schedule you into a classroom on the dates and times you request. We'll also need your presentation topic that you'd like to share so we can setup the appropriate environment and tools you may need. It's a very easy going and relaxed campus, each presenter or trainer has up to an hour. We suggest 45 minute classes allowing 15 minutes at the end for Q&A. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

The Calendar and all class details are located at ActiveRain University.

This invitation is open to ALL members regardless of which segment of the Industry you represent. Title Companies, Stagers, Home Warranty, Inspectors etc., you're all welcome to come "profess" and share.

So if this "calling" has your ears burning, or the excitement and thought of teaching, presenting, or sharing is keeping you up at night, then ActiveRain University Wants You. Come volunteer, and be a part of this exciting new addition to ActiveRain. Thanks. :-)

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ActiveRain Launches Outside Blogs - How Do You Get Yours?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:31:12 -0500

Google offers Blogs, Yahoo offers Blogs, and now ActiveRain offers RE Blogs!! I am so excited that I get to announce this! ActiveRain is pulling all the stops and releasing the "BIG" storm today. It's been a long time coming, and now it's finally here! STOP HERE!

UPDATE 4/10/2009 - Please see this new post for details regarding the NEW OUTSIDE Blogs offerred on ActiveRain. How to Create and Maximize your AR Outside Blogs and 5 Tips For Your Outside Blogs.

ActiveRain "Outside Blogs" are launched today. You're going to love the ability to create one post, and then with the check of a box, send it to your Outside Blog. That's right, one post, syndicated in three locations. You can choose to have your post on ActiveRain, Localism, and now your own personal "Outside Blog" too.

Here's just a few highlights of the "" Outside Blogs:

* Host your Blog on your own domain name. (You must own name) ie: BestHomes.com
* Customize the look and feel of your Outside Blog.
* Set up in 10-15 minutes max.
* Build your posts in ActiveRain, no need to learn a new Blogging platform.
* Publish your posts to AR, Localism, Outside Blog, or all three, it's your choice.
* Benefit from the SEO power of ActiveRain.
* Brand your own Blog and yet stay connected with the AR community.
* Comments are syndicated between your ActiveRain Blog and your Outside Blog.

This is only the beginning, as the community jumps on these, each individual's exposure doubles. 2X the POWER! That's Exciting!! Imagine the possiblities with these Blogs...

Here's how to setup YOUR Outside Blog. The sample below is a screen shot of my Outside Blog. I'll demonstrate how I used ActiveRain to create it.

SETTING UP YOUR CUSTOM OUTSIDE BLOG:

1. To Start, click on the link "Outside Blogs" from "My Home" page.

2. On the next screen, give your Blog a "Title". It will already have the same name as your current ActiveRain Blog. You can change it.

3. Meta Keywords are the next option, don't panic What's a Meta Tag?

4. Next, you can customize or modify your Blog description. This text will appear underneath your Blog Banner.

5. Now give your Blog an ActiveRain Subdomain:
ie: ActiveBrad.ActiveRain.com

6. You can also use custom domain names. (advanced users only)
You must already own your own domain name. If not, you can see if the domain you like is available, click here.

Here's a screen shot of the options that are mentioned above:

7. Next, keep your current photo or add a new photo to your Blog. Your Outside Blog photo will NOT replace your existing AR photo. Here's your chance to update that picture from 7 years ago. lol~

8. Select one of the Templates or Themes from the ActiveRain Library: These can be customized. More templates will be available in the future. This is just the launch period, expect enhancements for sure.

9. Setup the colors for your fonts and for different areas of your Blog page. Here's a color chart.

10. Now, add custom created headers and images to your Blog. There are multiple posts on how to create and edit images, you'll find them in the Help/FAQ group. We have some very artistic and talented members who share valuable tools and resources there.

11. Under the Advanced options, you can display multiple Blog posts, up to 100 if you like.
(I suggest 20 posts max, or the page may load slowly, especially if you have video and large graphics)

Use the Syndication options to select which posts to pull, or add ALL from your primary ActiveRain Blog. Members Only posts will not appear on your Outside Blog. If you have concerns about Duplicate Content on your Blogs, read this post called "Duplicate Content and Outside Blogs."

12. The FINAL STEP, Click on Save Changes

YOU'RE DONE!
Go to the ActiveRain Subdomain URL you created
and there's your new outside Blog!

Here's A Sample Of Mine

*Note: When creating posts on ActiveRain, just check this box
to place them on your outside Blog.

If you do choose to use your own existing Domain name, please read the advanced information and instructions below. You'll need to know the following: You can also find this information located HERE.

Here are the STEP-BY-STEP instructions for setting up an Outside Blog using your own domain name.
Also be sure to check out some of the other members outside domains as ActiveRain Blogs Evolve.

That's It! We are finally launched!!. WOOHOO!! You will no longer have to search for a place to have an outside Blog. You won't have to start from scratch to create your own, or cut and paste, or duplicate efforts, or try and manage your time running two or more Blogs.

I really am excited about this. It's like watching the birth of a baby being born, and I feel somehow emotionally and personally attached to it. ActiveRain is moving onward and upward, and everyday, becoming more of a powerful source in this great industry. I'm honored to be the carrier pigeon of this exciting and community changing news. As always, if you get stuck, don't get MAD, call Brad.

For Outside Blog status updates and known issues being addressed: CLICK HERE!

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