Where In The World is Mike?

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Its been hectic! I have several draft posts ready to be finished up, a couple that have died a natural death because they are no longer topical and a story to tell that will expose how careless some companies can be when it comes to right clicking and stealing content from the web that will have you scratching your head. It will also show how being careless in your web endeavors can put you at risk. Here's a hint: If you hire someone to design a web site for you, don't wait 10 months to look at it. Anywho...I promise I will get back to my blogging duties this weekend. Until then enjoy the entertaining video featuring the incomparable Jessica Swesey of Inman and a very handsome man who obviously knows what he's talking about. It's not the Today show but we're just as proud of it. Perhaps if I start calling myself a scientist I can get the kind of play that the Redfin gang is enjoying. Who knew you could turn log file analysis into a gig working with Al, Matt and Meredith? Brilliant.

Real Estate Video by - Real Estate Blogger

Explaining Technology With Scissors and Sharpies

The job of explaining technology can be a daunting task. I have become much better over the years at creating analogies and references that help demystify the aspects of how technology works. I still fall into the trap of speaking in terms that escape my audience from time to time. If you're days are spent immersed in the intricacies and nuances of technology it's an easy mistake to make.

Enter the folks at CommonCraft.Com. Perhaps you've seen a few of their viral videos on the web. I love the approach they take in simplifying the complicated with nothing more than scissors and sharpies. The folks at Redfin were so enamored with the concept that they have employed the services of Common Craft to explain their business model to consumers.

Below is an explanation of RSS (really simple syndication). It was created in April, but it's still the most popular of the common craft videos. I often refer to RSS as the engine of Web 2.0 and try to create metaphors that help agents understand syndication and it's impact on the distribution of listings and listing enhancements. The visuals and goofy hand gestures employed in this explanation add a great deal of impact to the delivery of the message.

Tech Companies Are Greedy Too, Just Ask This Realtor

Hat tip to David G. for sending this my way. Too damn funny! If you haven't seen what inspired it take a look here.

NOTE: I was just made aware that the young man in this video, Aaron Anglin, was killed in a car accident. Lani has asked that his video remain posted. To Lani, her family and friends, our prayers are with you, we will always be able to remember Ben with a huge smile on our faces. Please take a minute to read Lani's post and consider doing what you can for his wife and babies. They will need help.