Benn & Lani have always allowed the writers to write from their own opinions and positions. But Agent Genius became a sadder place today when a personal attack on an individual was disguised as a video post by Greg Cooper.
Video posts have some benefits – you don’t have to worry about spelling – and they have additional emotional bandwidth for things like this flaming attack – In other words your voice (and Greg’s voice is well trained) can be used to add significance and weight to words or phrases that they would not have had in a written form. Most people tend not to analyze videos as they might analyze and re-read a written post, and by the way, when video is well done, you are left with emotional responses the tone and visual cues that are not contained in the words. And finally, the chances that people will stop after you make a statement on a video, freeze the video and go check on the truth is less than the chance that they will open a second tab and check your facts one at a time to see if your statements are accurate.
Now Todd Carpenter is a big boy, smart enough to decide if a response is needed by him, and articulate enough to make one if he chooses to, but I was disturbed enough by Greg’s video, and his use of the Agent Genius platform to create a rant that was more emotion than fact, in a place where people might not recognize the amount of distorted information, that I thought a response should be posted here.
Though my dog Cisco has a bone that’s even larger than Greg’s, its not about that. Its not even about his ignoring Brad Coy’s contribution as one of the three founders of the REBarCamp movement. (Todd, Andy Kaufman and Brad started the movement in July of 2008 in San Francisco, and have, on their own time and at their own expense been supportive of its growth with no personal benefit ever since) What it is about (for me) is the confusing mess of non-facts in the video which leave the impressions that
- NAR (or our state or local associations) have anything to do with the ReBarCamp movement (except to support members who may wish to organize one)
- That Todd has the responsibility to do anything that is asked of him by people who decide they want to put on a ReBarCamp
- That state or local associations should be the source of , or directors of REBarCamps
- That REBarCamps should have structured ’guest speakers” (don’t get me started on politicians in this setting)
- That Todd has no right to a personal twitter stream because of his job
- Or Greg’s comment that stating his job in his profile makes his twitter stream the provenance of NAR
- Todd’s Profile on Twitter actually reads “Social Media Manager for the National Association of REALTORS®, and these are my personal opinions. Oh, and I’m a crummy speller. Deal with it.” doesn’t seem to me that anyone reading that would think that these are the opinions of anyone other than Todd
- Or Greg’s comment that stating his job in his profile makes his twitter stream the provenance of NAR
- That Todd has no right to a personal life or opinion because he has a job working for a large organization.
In his rant, Greg talks about the ReBarCamp in Chicago he attended. That event would not have occurred without Todd, Andy & Brad’s initial efforts and continuing support.The session he talks about regarding the structure and process needed to create an event like that was also something that was a result of Todd’s efforts. The space was donated through NAR as a result of Todd’s actions, and the appearance of CEO Dale Stinson at the end of the day was a tribute to Dale’s vision of the membership and the future, and to the efficacy of Todd’s efforts in the workplace.
Look I don’t know why Todd didn’t have the chance to do what you wanted on the REBarCamp.com site. Which, by the way , is maintained by Todd at his own expense and on his own time ad has nothing to do with his job. I assume he was busy with his job (which this has nothing to do with) And I think that its great that Greg gets to provide a commercial to the people that he got to make his site – though what that had to do with the story he was telling is beyond me – maybe it was just a “shout out to his peeps”. I mean who would have cared who did the site? John Lauber did the work on the ReBarCamp Philly site but who mentioned his name (oops! Shout out John !) In any case – that has nothing to do with Todd’s job.
I get that Greg was upset at a tweet from Todd about “his” ReBarCamp. And I get that he was embarrassed by the question from his governor’s aide (though what the heck place a politician has at a ReBarCamp is way beyond me – to me BarCamps are places for peers to share and learn and create – not a structured event where politician’s come to address the masses”) But none of that is the basis for an attack on an individual’s professional position.
In his video, Greg leaves an impression that Todd does not have the interests of the members or the organization at heart, without any support. He portrays Todd as an uncaring arrogant individual, which is far from the truth. And though giving lip service to the creation of this movement by Todd, Andy and Brad, he is not recognizing the amazing effort that Todd brings to the communication structure of NAR. Todd is not NAR’s PR apparatus, and is , in fact only a small part of an incredible team who are responsible for NAR’s communication with the public and its members. He is, in fact being unfairly attacked without substance , with no recognition for the work that he has done. And he’s not even being called out personally for a discussion or debate, he’s being attacked in the worst way possible, by yelling at his employers.
To chastise an organization for the private acts of their employee on their own time is just wrong. To make statements that are inaccurate in support of that position demonstrates either a desire to promulgate untruths, or a lack of competent research. What was the case here?
Look, I don’t know what Greg’s thought process was, and this is just a personal rant, but at least the information is accurate and the opinions are my own. I’m not yelling at someone’s boss or their Parents to get them in trouble, I’m just hate that Gregg felt that he needed to make such a personal attack with such inaccurate information in what has always been a pretty collegial space. Are you feeling better now Greg? Take a breath man..
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Thank you Bill! For me it is not even about the facts or lack thereof, it’s about the blatant attack which is totally unnecessary.
I read between the lines (or interpreted between the video rant sentences) and several red flags went off about the REBarcamp question (I guess that’s because I’ve taken my personal time to help Todd, Andy and Brad to educate organizers about the true spirit of the “unconference”).
But again, that’s not the point – it’s not about Todd, it’s about the flaming of an individual on a public forum that totally crosses the line. (And the fact that is Todd makes it all the worse)
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@Ines You know that I agree with you, but the facts need to be put out there for people to see. Flaming by itself is a terrible thing to do – lack of facts may just be part of it – I have this issue with needing to see the truth put out there when things like that are done.
Thanks Bill and Ines for putting this up… the video was a little intense for me
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Your title is wrong because as much as you want to spin this into a rant or a personal attack you cannot. The so-called rant as you put it is from the frustrations of dues paying members vented at the problem – a Governor, a Board, and it’s embarrassed dues paying members versus an alleged attack from a manager of the national association of realtors social media department- that’s news regardless of how it’s presented.
In case you are unaware the tweet was brought to the board’s (organizing committee) attention via the governor’s office, and that in and of itself is news, let alone how the board had to defend itself to the Governors office.
While we understand that there is a person involved on the other side who should be heard, we’re not discussing a small broker in Indiana who’s trying to make ends meet, we’re talking a very high profile figure within the National Association of Realtors.
While we can agree and disagree on the story’s delivery, the points Greg outlined still remain. AgentGenius doesn’t write articles, it publishes them whether you agree with them or not, so veil this post against a brand and not the person doesn’t dismiss that your title is misdirected.
Bill,
Thanks for standing up on the Soap Box TOO!!!
Thanks for posting this Bill.
I thought AG writers had more class than to dive into blatant personal attacks. There are plenty of other places to get that crap if I want it.
Given the number of AG contributors, past and present, that have been on the receiving end of ridiculous personal attacks, one would think this tabloid like BS wouldn’t happen.
Sadly, there is some truth to “one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch”. Thank you for mitigating that damage somewhat.
Top-notch, Bill.
The seemingly personal vendetta reflected in the video is not attractive in any way. I am also quite surprised that the original tweet that caused this angst was only alluded to, and not posted for others to determine its impact.
If there had been conversation around the original tweet as to why the demise of the ReBarcamp was assumed, that is a different story, however nothing was outlined in the video as to what happened. To fume and ultimately crow about “success in spite of” in a public forum just feels… icky. To lambast someone in a video where the voice raises to nearly a fever pitch just feels… icky.
A pinpoint on a map has so much less to do with success of an event than does the attempts of the organizers. We also don’t know how the pinpoint was requested. There are a lot of “huh” and “what-if’s” as yet unanswered.
Personally, I’ll spend my energies elsewhere than hearing the oinks of stuck piglets that may have wielded their own needles. Time to breathe deeply and get to work doing what Realtors do.
Wow – I am glad I missed this – funny thing is – my respect for Todd is higher today than months ago – you see – Todd and I had a kind of public debate months ago – a debate where we were both having a bad moment and neither of us acted as professionally as we could have. Funny thing about the human mind and spirit, the worst situations can be turned into a good thing – where we come to understand the other side-
Todd is one person – making a difference or at least making a grand attempt to for each and every one of us – even those that do not belong to NAR – what amazes me about this story – which I have not nor do I plan to watch the video – is that anyone would take something like this so public – do they not realize how many people do understand the efforts, responsibilities that Todd and other REBar organizers put forth – and how we tend to stick together – support each other and protect each other –
Todd – know I respect you – thanks for having his back here
You are certainly free to say the “title is wrong” or “misdirected” Benn. That’s your opinion and you are entitled to that.
For what it’s worth, I found the title spot on.
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Emotions run hot. One thing we can all agree on, I think, when commenting or criticizing, it’s best not to attack in name calling characterizations.
Many of the comments disagreeing with Greg’s post include personal and derogatory characterizations about Greg, AgentGenius and it’s writers, in essence, expressing frustration, disappointment and offense in the same manner they disapprove of.
To me, it’s fine to disagree, ask for the facts, state your facts and opinions, it’s a public forum, it’s the name calling that makes me cringe.
Lessons learned….
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Benn:
The rant is certainly a personal attack – and the title is no less accurate than the title of Greg’s post – Please note the first line of my post, where I point out that neither you nor Lani edit the contributors here (thereby not making you the point of the post) , but that does not lessen how embarrassing it is to Agent Genius to be the home to the attack made in the other post.
With all due respect, Gregg’s being upset at a tweet by Todd is not news, its two people having a disagreement. And if it were news, it would need to be accurate, filled with facts rather than opinions, the “offending” tweet would have been quoted, and a much higher level of journalistic integrity would have been followed.
You comment that “the tweet was brought to the board’s (organizing committee) attention via the governor’s office, and that in and of itself is news, let alone how the board had to defend itself to the Governors office.” raises several issues
1. ReBarCamps are not the product of Associations or Boards.
2. The Association could have easily pointed out that Todd was not speaking in any official capacity, and that he was not only entitled to his personal opinion but that he is entitled to express them – this is still America after all.
3. Nobody has still explained to me what the heck a governor has to do with an “unconference” like a BarCamp – if this was just an Association event it should have been promoted in that manner, and the entire controversy would possibly have been avoided. BarCamps are specific types of anarchistic events where peers gather to define the event – not Association events where politicians come to promote their own agendas – But I digress
You say: “While we understand that there is a person involved on the other side who should be heard, we’re not discussing a small broker in Indiana who’s trying to make ends meet, we’re talking a very high profile figure within the National Association of Realtors.” Does that mean that Todd isn’t allowed to have opinions? His opinion was published in a venue where he had already made a disclaimer about the source of those opinions – as I mentioned in my post.
You also said – “While we can agree and disagree on the story’s delivery, the points Greg outlined still remain. AgentGenius doesn’t write articles, it publishes them whether you agree with them or not, so veil this post against a brand and not the person doesn’t dismiss that your title is misdirected.”
Nothing in my post was directed at implying that Greg’s opinion was that of Agent Genius, unlike Greg’s post which indicated that Todd’s opinion was the responsibility of NAR- it merely pointed out the similarity – which you have made even more clear – Greg’s opinions may not be those of Agent Genius (though he has no disclaimer as Todd does) and Todd’s opinions are his own – and they are both entitled to express them – I just think that when posting in this environment – we as contributors need to provide to others the undertsanding and courtesy that we ask for ourselves.
“3. Nobody has still explained to me what the heck a governor has to do with an “unconference” like a BarCamp – if this was just an Association event it should have been promoted in that manner, and the entire controversy would possibly have been avoided. BarCamps are specific types of anarchistic events where peers gather to define the event – not Association events where politicians come to promote their own agendas – But I digress”
A. There was an IAR Legislative Conference happening at the same time in the same hotel, so the Gov’s lunch was a coordinated event between reBar Camp and the IAR. Happy coincidence at best.
B. If the Governor’s office made the connection between Todd, NAR and #rebcin, it doesn’t matter one iota what you or I think about Todd’s tweets. What matters is how it was perceived by others who may not be connected to the industry and to whom we look for political and professional support.
C. Todd posts from his Twitter account where he describes himself thusly: “Social Media Manager for the National Association of REALTORS®, and these are my personal opinions. Oh, and I’m a crummy speller. Deal with it.” Whether you see it, agree with it or get it, his posts DO ABSOLUTELY reflect an opinion of NAR. If he wants to rant without that association being built in, he might consider having a separate personal Twitter account without that description.
Was Greg’s post over the top? Perhaps. That’s a matter of personal opinion. I understand his perspective and frustration.
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1. The industry needs to figure out if NAR’s image is jeans and T-shirts with a chaser, business casual, or professional- that way we can classify our SMM.
2. The industry needs to decide if the SMM is an ambassador for members, OR is a mouth piece for the office staff.
3. If a barcamp wants to have a Governor speak during the luncheon, what business is it of yours or anyone else’s? Are you really going to ask me why it’s a good thing that he attended? It’s beneath you, really.
4. The SMM is not a low level position, nor low visibility, there are ramifications to their actions, to state otherwise is again, beneath your skill set.
Benn: Sorry I missed this yesterday – here are my answers
1. I’m not sure that Todd’s job is either, but that’s a matter for NAR to determine , not the readers of AgentGenius-
2. Same as 1 with the additional point that I don;t understand what a “mouthpiece for the office staff” is – I don’t believe that Todd’s job is to be a PR person
3. I asked a question not supposing to have an answer – but having helped organize a few an attended a bunch , I have an idea what BarCamps are – and what they are -peer to peer unconferences – they are not structured events which s what makes them so special. From the first one in SF where we first met f2f , the beauty of the BarCamp experience is the chaos and community that they create – they are not a place for people to come to forward their own agendas (which is why politicians speak to any special interest group). I am a pretty substantial RPAC contributor, and I believe strongly that we should have strong ties with al of the politicians we can, but BarCamp is just not the place for it. It doesn’t advance our agenda politically and is only a place for the politician to “glad hand” their constituents. Just my opinion, but you asked.
4. You misstate me here – I never said that anyone’s actions don’t have consequences. Todd’s actions are really not relevant to this discussion. The point of the post was that ad hominem attacks and vicious videos are beneath the standards that Agent Genius has set over the years.
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I’m definitely staying away from the Gregg vs Todd debate here. As a new member of this and the RE community as a whole, I won’t comment on something I don’t fully understand or have all the facts about.
What I will mention is one thing that confuses me. Bill, how can you say Todd’s comments on Twitter DO NOT reflect on the NAR, but then use this title as if Gregg’s comments DO reflect on AgentGenius?
From what I gather, AgentGenius is a platform and Gregg’s actions, warranted or not, should reflect on him.
And I realize Todd’s twitter bio says his opinions are his own, but with the nature of social media and branding, that doesn’t really matter. What you say can have a negetive reflection on your organization regardless of the disclaimers.
If I’m the social media manager for any company, I’ve got to be careful with my words.
With that being said, my opinions are only regarding this title. When it comes to Gregg and Todd, neither have offended me.
Greg Cooper makes excellent points in his video. I question the wisdom of branding blogs and Twitter streams with the title of Social Media Manager for a million-plus size association and presuming to take a pass on accountability associated with that position.
Social Media Manager positions usually involve reputation management responsibilities. It looks like a great week coming up for lessons in reputation management at NAR and on the home front for some of us.
This is not a sad day for AgentGenius. The facts Greg Cooper cites are compelling. The tone and tenor spell “rant,” it seems, more than the circumstances citing it. It sounds like there is a very good basis for Cooper’s dismay.
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Mike: The title was intended to mirror the title of the other post – and the first line of the post is intended to separate the publishers of Agent Genius from responsibility for the content of Greg’s post.
That being said, I think the title is accurate because I think (and its my opinion only) that it is embarrassing for Agent Genius to be the site of such an attack – this place has been generally a professional space above that type of posting. But the discussion of the accuracy of the title is a little off point – which is that the earlier post makes comments and takes positions with little regard to impartiality or the facts of the situation. I did not attack Greg in any manner, and have nothing against him – I just thought the post he wrote needed to be challenged because it said things that I know to be inaccurate, and other things that I felt were misleading – so I tried to set the record straight here.
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Todd Carpenter is not just some schlub who sent out an inappropriate tweet or might have been expressing his personal opinion. Todd Carpenter is the Director of Social Media for the National Association of Realtors. For good or ill, that adds a new level of responsibility and, dare I say, cause for introspection in his communications with members of NAR.
As much as you would like to condemn Greg for his rant, I can tell you, from personal experience (and, no, I do not have a link to Todd’s DM tweet to me) that Todd is a bit quick tempered and thin skinned himself – qualities unbecoming a high profile NAR staffer.
If this were about you, Bill, or any of the other commenters to this post, I would jump in and wholeheartedly agree. Todd Carpenter has greater responsibility and must be held to a higher standard.
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Frances: No one has branded anything with a title – in fact, the purpose of the profile on Todd’s twitter stream is to make sure that people know that they are seeing his personal thoughts there and not the positions taken in his professional position. There is a huge difference between mentioning something and “branding” something.
You’re entitled to your opinion of Gregg’s post – my post was merely intended to point out that his post had inaccuracies, omitted information, and seemed to be more focused on his anger than facts – and that was not made clear in his video –
I think that it would be indeed a sad day at Agent Genius when we weren’t careful about pointing out the difference – but hey, that’s just my opinion
Bill,
I applaud your loyalty and generous support for Todd.
I think Michael made an excellent point:
“And I realize Todd’s twitter bio says his opinions are his own, but with the nature of social media and branding, that doesn’t really matter. What you say can have a negetive reflection on your organization regardless of the disclaimers.
“If I’m the social media manager for any company, I’ve got to be careful with my words.”
I think it is a healthy discussion. Your post is excellent! It seeds more thoughtful commentary. I believe Greg Cooper could be more effective with a Thesaurus to avoid some of his inflammatory words. Name calling is unnecessary.
Wow, never in my life did I expect to defend Todd. But, if Greg’s rant is rife with flaw. If Todd is not entitled to a personal Twitter stream because of his job, then Greg should not be entitled to post his personal views on this shared, community and professional forum. Believe me, I am the queen of attacking people based on their actions and am no stranger to controversy, but Todd has been selfless in his ability to give back to the REnet both through REBarCamps which Bill rightly pointed out he does in his free time and at his expense and in his position with NAR. The rant seems more like sour grapes and jealousy wrapped in personal opinion than a professional critique.
I personally do not believe Greg’s voice is needed on a professional forum like this until he grows up.
Maybe I’m just not educated or tech-savvy enough to not be able to get past the fact that his title – included by him on his Twitter profile – is “Social Media Director for the National Association of Realtors.” My personal impression when I read that title is that this is the individual responsible for managing the Social Media presence and identity of the organization – via his presence on sites such as Twitter and Facebook. He speaks for and AS the NAR.
There is no such thing as bad publicity? I think not…..
For what it’s worth, Greg’s video post is why about 3 months ago I removed most RE.net blogs from my reader and limited my friend stream in Twitter to only a certain group of people. Re.net has become a waste of emotional effort. Greg’s attack was a prime example of this.
I respect Todd. I did before and mores so now that he has an impossible job. If you don’t that’s fine, we can agree to disagree. That doesn’t mean that I always agree with him, and I’m sure he doesn’t always agree with me; but I’m not going to take the effort to put together a video post on the things we disagree on. Frankly, I have too much real work to do and too much respect for other people. I’m appalled at what people (inside this industry or not) consider “news”. People trying to tell me who to like and dislike remind me of elementary school.
I’ve been as guilty as others on this point and have decided that my personal value on people as ‘people’ was greater than feeling the need to point out each point that we may not agree on.
If my post isn’t marketing to clients or enriching the reader by giving a tool or resource, I simply won’t write any longer. Tearing down someone or something else is easy…we did it as children. It’s time for RE.net to go back to our genesis and share knowledge – not abuse.
As someone, who until a few months ago worked for an Association, I can tell you that it’s an impossible situation. You work 60+ hours a week to build tools and do the best you can, spending every working moment observing the wrongs of the industry only to be told you aren’t permitted to have an opinion, because you’re on staff? Seriously? Then you all complain that your Association doesn’t engage you…. I can’t imagine what this is like on a national level.
Stop trying to shout for transparency and engagement, but then desire to censor someone based on their job or the fact that you don’t like them.
Let’s review the countless posts 2-3 years ago asking for NAR to engage it’s members, using tools that we (as in RE.net) use. They do and then we do what RE.net is best at – take those tools and bitch-slap people with them.
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The bottom line is this: AG isn’t the forum for a personal attack, and Greg’s video was very personal, IMHO.
Quickly, as I’ve got clients to pick up … maybe I’ll come back later when there’s more time.
Those who know me might know I’ve got some background in the personal attack world. Of course this was a personal attack – it wasn’t attacking NAR’s SMM position it was attacking the person who happens to be in the position. At the same time, it sounds as if it might have been justified to some degree. Sometimes a public attack, even one as simple as #fail on an event someone’s busted their butt to put on, requires a public response. Or, if nothing else, a public response is merited if not always wise. Again, I know a thing or two about this.
To my mind, questions about why the governor was coming to barcamp etc. are pointless, at least as far as this debate is concerned. There’s a larger issue of how/why REBC’s have drifted so very far away from their roots and their purpose but that’s a different story for a different day.
When you accept a position such as SMM for NAR, anything you say is going to carry the weight of NAR behind it. Todd ought to know that.
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Just pointing out that my stance isn’t on whether Gregg or Todd were right or wrong. I don’t know much about either and I have no idea what Todd even said.
But I stand by the fact that yes, if you represent an organization your Twitter comments WILL reflect on them – like it not. That’s why some companies have social media policies… Not saying I’m in favor of censorship – I’m all about engaging and transparency.
I think Frances and I are on the same page with regards to the fact that your Twitter account will be tied to your professional occupation at times – especially when you are social media manager of a very large organization.
But I think I’m a little off topic in the Gregg Todd debate so I’ll stay out of it from here.
I guess I just come to this debate from a totally different perspective being as my clients are Lilly Allen and Katy Perry now, but really, so Todd dropped an F bomb on Twitter… so what. It makes him human and relatable to the new generation of Realtors. People want to connect on a personal level on Twitter! And taking one of the first precepts of sociology: people like people are like them – if you have ever dropped the F bomb you should be able to relate to Todd. Fact is, Todd is not 100% perfect and I have indeed been on the other end of his attacks (I think if you Google me, his post still turns up on the first page.). But, his Twitter account is a lifestream as it should be – controversial, informational, professional, personal and fun to read because it is engaging. Just because he works for a company does not deny him the right to have personal opinions. Take Mark Cuban and Donald Trump – both extremely controversial figures that at times can say some pretty inflammatory and outrageous stuff, but at the end of the day they have some trust value and authority and their opinions are important. I feel the same way about Todd. I think he was and is a great asset to NAR and you all should be proud to have him there. Gregg is entitled to his opinion but placing it here instead on his personal blog was wrong and uncalled for. Are his views really those of all of AG? Maybe he should think about that before attributing Todd’s words to NAR.
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Thesa: Thanks for your response – Sorry I missed it earlier when I responded.
Ken; I agree with you – we need to be better in this type of forum .. hence my title
Joeshoe: Sorry for not responding earlier – and thanks for explaining the Governors presence – I do agree with you that there is the potential for someone mistaking Todd’s personal tweet for something more, but that was why I thought that the Committee should have explained that our Association is not dictatorial, and that the people that work there do some stuff on their own time – and are allowed the freedom to express their own opinions. And Like you I understand that Greg might have been frustrated – I just think that this method of venting his frustration was not appropriate
Ken Montville; I really don’t want to condemn Greg or demonize him – I just think that this type of post is counter-productive – It was just a personal attack, and there is no excuse for ad hominem arguments – which is the point I tried to make here. This (the re.net) is our house – we need to keep it clean and harmonious – even in our disagreements – which (IMHO) can be passionate but should be principled and respectful (as I have tried to be here).
Mary McKnight ; So good to see you here – especially when you agree with me
Thanks for adding such articulate opinions to the mix – I love this “his Twitter account is a lifestream as it should be – controversial, informational, professional, personal and fun to read because it is engaging. Just because he works for a company does not deny him the right to have personal opinions.” Which is exactly the point I was trying to make earlier
Matthew Rathbun; What can I say here? I agree with you
Brandie: You’re the best – and you’re right
Jonathan Dalton; I agree with most of what you say – and your points about the attack being personal is spot on – But I do think that Todd is entitled to speak as a person and not as his job without being flamed for it. – ( Hope you make the sale you went out on !)
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If we are worse for that article, then why is this article here? You were given this stage, were you not?
The linkage to NAR as to NAR having the same (supposed) opinion, with a clear distinction on Todd’s profile as to his tweetstream being his opinion only, is more of a guilt-by-association thing.
The tweet that supposedly started all this mess clearly had nothing to do with the supposed level of success of the REBC at issue.
I still haven’t seen the actual tweet in question published by the ranting RE agent. Has it been? Am I missing something? Can sumone haz da tweet in question?
Am I one of the few people that sees Todd as Todd first and NAR Social Media Director like 4th? It would be ashamed to lose any of the voices on Twitter because someone refuses to acknowledge that our job does not create who we are or necessarily shape our opinions. Todd was an involved in RE Bar Camps before he was working for NAR. Todd had a voice on Twitter before NAR. NAR did not create Todd. There are plenty of NAR employees that have personal Twitter accounts and still reference their job. I like seeing their personal opinions. There’s nothing to say that Greg has to like Todd. But it is pretty unprofessional to kick him in the face on the internet. Greg’s actions are speaking louder than his words.
Okay, I’ve gone through Todd’s twitter-stream and the only reference I can find to REBC Indiana is http://twitter.com/tcar/status/7883166526.
Am I missing something else?
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Apparently and allegedly the actual comment has been deleted, but the one you’ve found left for your consumption- fortunately, I’ve been made aware that the timeline was physically copied and will be made available shortly.
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I’m sure there’s multiple views into this, and at the end of the day the genesis of – and issues behind – these posts aren’t my issue.
What bothers me, Benn, is I think AG writers should hold themselves to higher standards than waging personal attacks. Which, in my view, is different than posing a legitimate issue/grievance and proposing potential solutions and crowd sourcing feedback on them. Including name calling changes the dynamic of the message.
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I’m waiting to make my decision based on what Greg presents later, because if even one tweet was deleted we have another issue entirely that’s even worse then we’re discussing now.
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Brandie:
Why do I almost always agree with you? Well put.
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Gina: sumone does haz the tweet! – Dave Smith was kind enough to find it and mention it in a comment on the other post –
“Amazes me that the peeps the #rebcin peeps hassled me over and over to link from rebarcamp.com, but never bothered to reciprocate. #fail”
For those unfamiliar with 140 character blogging, translated this means. If you want a link you reciprocate with a link. #fail = without a link you won’t get one.
Almost makes the whole video thing even worse – it wasn’t such a terrible tweet – it was misread as indicating a fail of the event – when that was not what it was.
Oh well -
Anyone who takes this tweet as an prediction of event failure, obviously needs to look at it again – objectively. http://twitter.com/tcar/status/7883166526. What it says, imho, is that the refusal to provide a reciprocal link is the failure. To take it beyond that is just a further demonstration of sensationalism and sad. Any English teachers out there want to examine the statement and explain it’s meaning also?
Bill – much as I wish I could agree about being able to speak as a person and not as your position, I can’t. If I were to go on to Twitter and say I can’t stand a certain area of town because of the majority race who lives there … speaking as a person and not as a REALTOR … am I not any less screwed from a Fair Housing perspective? I work as a REALTOR and while it’s not my total identity I’m still going to be held to that standard no matter where I am.
If you’re in a public position, or at least a position with a public face, you’re held to a different standard.
You as a REALTOR(R) are not allowed to break the law in regards to housing. You are, however, allowed to have your own opinion – as long as your opinion doesn’t violate the law. It is against the law for REALTORS(R) to violate Fair Housing. I blog about things I like and don’t like all the time. Heck, I say things on Twitter that some people would definitely disagree with. However, I do not break the law. This is a matter of remaining professional. That didn’t happen.
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A violation of Federal Law is not the same as expressing an opinion which wasn’t even an issue if it was read properly – nor did it say what the original post claimed it said. Benn seems to think that there was another tweet, but so far nothing has been discovered that would need any kind of response or even seem to be a position taken by NAR.
Wait just a second… this comment stream just entered the realm of self righteous hilarity and one of the primary reasons I don’t take part in the REnet anymore…
Let me get this straight, people here want to hold Todd to a higher standard because he works for NAR? I hope all you people spouting that idillic view also were just as outraged when our Commander and Chief, President Obama made personal appeals to the public on the health care issue when congress initially voted against pieces of it (something no other President has ever done) and more recently denounced the supreme court on their decision during a public address <– certainly not his place and befitting of his position and WELL outside his job description! Now, while Obama has taken heat for that – no one denies his power and authority.
Personal opinions get broadcast in today’s day and age! We have to accept that as a part of the radical transparency the Internet and technology provide – our executives, commanders, employees, family and friends will be more transparent in their personal opinions and more of those opinions will be broadcast – chill out, nobody got killed, fired, thrown in jail. Nothing I have seen from Todd warranted this kind of response on this kind of platform. AG is usually a professional space, this was unprofessional. It belonged on Greg’s personal blog, not here.
” It belonged on Greg’s personal blog, not here.”
I think that sums it up well
> self righteous hilarity
Lest this was directed my way, there was nothing self righteous about it. If you accept a public facing position you have different responsibilities. If you’d like the ludicrous example, the guy who dressed up as Baxter the Diamondbacks mascot was fired for a DUI while driving his Baxter car with the suit in the back. Why? Because he’s an extension of the organization even after hours on his own time.
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Jonathan, aren’t we all in public facing positions? I’m not arguing your point (I actually am on that side of the argument) just digging a bit deeper here. Are you saying it’s different with a large corporate machine? If so, how? And, if so, is it up to the corporation to set standards as Intel did in publishing it’s Social Media Guidelines?
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Jonatahan; You know more than I , but aren’t there morality clauses in most sports contracts? In any case, the “tweet that launched a thousand blips” certainly doesn’t rise to the level of a DUI which endangers the driver and others. In any case, this was less about what Todd may or may not have said and much more about the nature of the attack leveled at him.
Dear RE.net:
Confession
I once deleted one of my own tweets because, upon reflection, I changed my mind about tweeting it.
Please forgive me.
@Elaine – hahahaha I love this comment! Nice one!
I too have deleted the occasional tweet here or there, usually for one of two reasons: I messed up a link or spelling and then tweeted a corrected version, or, I hit the @ option on tweetdeck when I meant to DM the person.
The video was a personal attack and should have never been posted (on Agent Genius or anywhere else). It’s fine if you attack ideas, but the BOTTOM LINE is that attacks on individuals have no place on the internet.
“Todd is a bit quick tempered and thin skinned himself – qualities unbecoming a high profile NAR staffer.”
Ken, after you insinuated that I was a co-opted mouthpiece for NAR in one of your posts here on Agent Genius, I sent you a direct message saying that I will treat you with all the respect you offer me. I then fired off an email to our public affairs office suggestion that you are someone that NAR’s president Vickie Cox Golder might consider engaging. She did.
That’s thin skinned huh?
Frances,
My bio was vetted by the Social Media Business Council and is in use by several Fortune 500 company employees for the expressed purpose of being both transparent about who we work for and clear that the opinions we write on Twitter are our own.
Twitter
From my perspective, I think you guys have done great. You’ve 1) immediately addressed the problem, and 2) left the original thread up so people can judge for themselves, and now 3) this whole moment stands as a learning example for everyone. Bruises teach and we’re all adults.
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Elaine; I can forgive anything but that
Justin; Thanks for the kind words.
Johnathan – no worries – wasn’t directed at anyone in particular. Ciao, I have Grammy parties to attend and a prayer to say that Katy Perry doesn’t do something retarded tonight that we have to get deindexed from Google in the morning. Wish me luck.
1. Nowhere in the Tweet, that I can see, does Todd say the EVENT will fail. It was sadly misinterpreted.
2. Todd supports the RE community in so many ways, and was an outstanding choice as the first SMM for the NAR.
3. He also supports individuals and has always been willing to help whenever I had a question, had an issue (such as a totally misinterpreted tweet), or wanted to leverage my business.
4. This video is a rant and I come to AG to learn, to read about tips and tools to support my business. Not to view personal attacks. Benn – sad to say, but this was a personal attack and not “news”. Although you probably haven’t had this many comments in awhile…
5. Greg should have written a thoughtful, insightful article about how NAR could become even more involved and supportive in the REnet. Now, he just looks a little loony, when he might have actually had some good points to make without personally attacking Todd.
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It’s unfortunate that this had to become a public discussion, I think Ines stated it correctly, the personal attacks are unwarranted. This could have been resolved with a phone call or an email.
In all complete sincerity, I am over this “hot topic” and am now onto another one … [ADD]
Did Mary McKnight actually just admit that she is sticking up for the guy who she previously called a Chihuahua? I think the world has come to an end. Packing up now and heading for the hills. See you on the other side, folks.
Is there room for me? I’m scared.
All Hail Mariana!
Oh come on. Many, many people have had run-ins w/ Todd Carpenter because of things that he’s done, me being one of them.
I had to have a conversation w @hilarymarsh because of his unprofessionalism.
Now, I know there are cheerleaders out there for @tcar—but just know there are many many people out there who believe he is exactly the wrong person to be in that position at NAR.
This is one of the many faux paus /scuffles that @tcar continues to get into.
A person who mans the Social Media for NAR and a supposed “guru” of SM shouldn’t be anywhere near anything that could become or deemed inappropriate.
The best SM person in the biz is Matt Shadbolt for Corcoran. That is how a SM person for a LARGE corporation should guard their online reputation.
I think that NAR continues to play Russian Roulette by letter @tcar continue to be the person at the helm. There may be 6-10 out there who love him (coincidentally–those people always get the speaking engagements at NAR….hmmmm) many of us have had the exact opposite opinion.
>>>Drew:
Are you for real? I’ve seen @tcar GUT people, ruthlessly.
>>>Frances
Right on, sista.
Matt,
I’m a dues paying member and I don’t respect Todd. I’ve witnessed more sh*t come from @tcar than anyone out there(maybe, except for me) but I don’t represent NAR.
It’s funny that these situations keep coming up w/@tcar.
Guess I’m not getting any speaking engagements at NAR anymore….
Todd,
I don’t care what you say….you can’t (nor do I want you to) spew crap on Twitter when you have your affiliation w/NAR on your profile. Not very professional. You keep getting yourself in these pickles.
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Kevin; Dude, you’re really off target here – just a few things
1. No one is “cheer leading” Todd here – he was the victim of an unwarranted personal attack – which had nothing to do with his job – and the basis of which is still lost in mysterious “documentation” and a tweet that somehow disappeared.
2. You’re allowing your personal dislike of a person to obscure the offense that was committed against the entire community when an individual puts personalities before facts
3. While you are entitled to your opinion about who might be best for the job Todd holds, I can tell you that there was an intensive search and exhaustive interviews before Todd was chosen, and that he was chosen from a pretty competitive field if applicants. IMHO he has done a great job getting the organization to respond to its members in the re.net – and he is well respected by his colleagues for his efforts-
4. Todd doesn’t pick the people who speak at NAR
5. It would be disingenuous of Todd not to mention his job on his profile – any position he takes would be suspect if he were not transparent.
6. Taking a job doesn’t mean that he no longer is a person – and entitled to express his opinions. I know you are too much a believer in the freedom of the individual to disagree with that
7. None of this means anything – its not about who was attacked here (though the conversation has gone to that) but that a post was published that was a personal attack on anyone – Its not what people have grown to expect from Agent Genius as a source of information.
>>>Drew:
Are you for real? I’ve seen @tcar GUT people, ruthlessly.
Yes, 100%. Personal attacks have no place on the internet; I’m not sure how anyone disagrees with that. I have no background on your interactions with Todd, but regardless, two wrongs don’t make a right – so please don’t use that as an excuse to endorse Greg’s actions.
I’m glad I came late to the party, found this post first and then went and read Greg’s and watched the video.
Although it has taken me almost an hour to get through all the comments on both posts.
…The tweet was completely misunderstood.
…Perhaps the Governors Office staff did not know what the #tag means. It is obvious to anyone who uses Twitter.
…Greg should have called Todd to ask him about it one on one, and none of this would have occurred.
…If your brother sins against you, go in private and be reconciled. (now how politically correct was that?)
…Todd’s profile clearly says what he does, but he is speaking for himself.
My own opinion is Todd does a great job as NAR’s Social Media Director and I agree with what Matt said….they are engaging and now you want to shut him up.
Ok that’s my two cents…..oh yea one of my past clients called my office last week to talk about listing his house, I forgot to call him until today. We all get busy and “old” and forget. I don’t think Todd was ignoring Greg’s ReBar, just an oversite….it happens to all of us.
Do you think Todd would deliberately ignore a ReBar event being posted. I think not, it was a over-site. It’s his baby.
@tcar
Have you ever had a real estate license?
Were you, or have you ever been, a member of NAR?
Missy
We don’t want him to shut up, we want him replaced with someone who truly understands what representing NAR and reputation management means.
It’s clear from the many squirmishes that he’s been involved in, that Todd doesn’t understand the damage he further inflicts on the NAR brand.
Shame on NAR for not making the SM director’s online & public behavior part of the contract they signed with him at the time of employment.
This is very, very embarrassing for us, dues paying members, of NAR
Kevin, since you addressed me, I will respond to you.
Who is “we”? I know nothing about any squirmishes, but that’s not unusual.
And by the way I have never been asked to speak at NAR.
Did you read the tweet? A complete misinterpretation of the #fail.
Yes, but it looked badly and for someone reading that (the Governor’s office) should give one pause to think about actually how much Todd knows what he write can be misinterpreted.
Further, the story about why the #fail hashtag was there is dubious, at best.
I could rattle off 6 major players that think that Todd is not a good fit for the job.
For example Rudy ( @trulia) is loved by everyone. Matt Shadbolt at Corcoran is a perfect curator of their brand.
There are many many instances where Todd tweets stupid stuff with the NAR association in his Twitter Profile. It’s a joke and unprofessional.
Todd Carpenter is not very professional with his online communication.
This is really another #fail for NAR.
I thought REALTORS were adults. We’ve learned to let rejection roll off of us, but not misunderstanding? I’m so disappointed in all this. It sounds like Greg, the Board and the Governor’s office have all failed to follow Todd on Twitter. If they had, perhaps they would have been well-informed of the expectations of REBC participants. Sigh.
I have followed Todd since he started with NAR. He is incredible with perspective. Some of his personal opinions are not close to mine, but that is what makes the world go round. We REALTORS quite often blend our own personal lives with our professional one. We have to in order to keep sane. I see no reason for Todd, or any other employee/staff of NAR, to try to hide their personal lives from the rest of the world, especially since that is the whole point (and definition) of ’social’ media.
C’mon folks. Let’s all rise above all this and move on. That is the only way we can continue to call ourselves professionals.
And, by the way, let’s not yell at each other–please. Thank you.
Clarification
Matt Shadbolt and Rudy were not any of the “major six” I was referring too. I was referring to them as great examples of SM managers for their respective companies.
Bill,
Thanks for the courage of your headline, I think it it’s point well made and I appreciate your balanced viewpoint.
A sword cuts both ways.
Greg’s video would have never received as much attention if it did not have the AG platform. His video has to be an embarrassing moment for Agent Genus even if proved factually correct, should such evidence surface. I don’t believe there is ever a reason for such a public attack of someone.
While Todd has responded appropriately, I am sure he has also learned a lesson that our own personal actions reflect on our organizations, brands, and affiliations.
Separate the people from the problem has always been my motto. Interesting lesson here.
I don’t think it’s embarrassing for Agent Genius at all. The #fail hashtag could be and was interpreted by the Governor’s office the way they read it.
If the tweet was misinterpreted, WHY was did Todd remove it from Twitter? Further, the explanation for the #fail hashtag, frankly, is cr*p.
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Kevin; You know that isn’t the way that usage gets read – and would have been an opportunity for anyone to demonstrate to the Governor that they had misread the tweet – It just didn’t say what they thought it said – And there is no evidence that Todd removed anything from twitter – It is an allegation – something said without verification – and again doesn’t warrant an attack on the person without facts
Bill,
Unwarranted personal attack? Are you for real? It wasn’t personal. He is the representative for SM for NAR.
Todd typed the tweet. Todd typed the tweet that (giving him the benefit of the doubt) was misconstrued by the Governor’s office.
A few things:
The story behind the #fail hash tag is dubious at best
If it was misconstrued, then why did he delete it? We know why. We all know WHY!
I know of about 4 “situations” that gives us members rightful cause to be concerned with.
Whether Todd meant to harm the Indiana barcamp or not, is not the question—He did.
Being an SM guru he should KNOW that the things he writes can be misconstrued—especially one with a #fail hashtag.
Come on.
Maybe Todd should attend your boot camp. Why all the sympathy for Todd. The guy who threw the Indiana barcamp gets my sympathy. He and his barcamp could have been affected by Todd’s lack of knowledge (!!!) when tweeting what he twat! roflmao.
You cannot deny that. If you do—that’s serious bias.
If I owned a corporation I would NOT want my tweeter tweeting about Maker’s Mark or what he had for lunch. It’s inappropriate for such a large entity to be putting that stuff out there.
It is of NO VALUE to the membership.
Bill, this is not hard.
Kevin: This is really not about Todd though he is the center of the attack – it is about someone using a platform that has been respected for its leadership in the re.net and using it as a platform for a personal attack – which is not responsible on any level.
Though the facts here have shown Greg’s attack not only to be ill considered and ill reasoned, even if the facts had indicated some really poor behavior on the part of the person who was attacked, the form of the attack and the lack of substance were, by themselves unworthy of the place that Benn & Lani and all of their contributors have built over the years. And that is the real issue here-
Not whether Greg was right or wrong, but the manner and target of his attack. If you disagree with what someone does, then crticize their actions, don;t attack the person – though I disagree with Greg’s action here, and feel that his actions were wrong, I am not criticizing him as a person, I criticize his actions – and that’s the difference.
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So much drama! I think after watching the video and reading all of both posts’ comments, I think that Gregs personal attacks were incredibly childish and rude. I think he owes Todd and everyone an apology and the fact that he didn’t respond at all tells me he may be realizing that. He may have had some reason to feel bad, but Todd answered him in his post with an apology, and showed admirable class.
That being said if you are the SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR of NAR then you have to be careful with how you use SOCIAL MEDIA!!! I think that it was an unfortunate misunderstanding of the tweet, but I think anyone else at NAR could have a Twitter acct and not have it necessarily reflect on NAR but the social media director should be held to some kind of standard in his social meda efforts. But if he steps in and apologizes then that shoud take care of it!
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@tcar twitter timeline, check the last page for the deleted tweet in question.
This is a hard copy print of the timeline that was scanned in for your consumption. There’s more but 23 pages and the missing tweet is enough.
http://agentgenius.com/wp-cont.....meline.pdf
Wow, so many comments!
I am Todd’s boss at NAR. Among the reasons we hired him for this position were his experience, social media savviness, recognition in the RE.net, opinions, and personality. He has been a true asset to NAR for almost a year, identifying people from the RE.net who would be good additions to NAR’s committees, speaking online and in person to associations and groups of REALTORS®, and serving as a social media mentor to many Realtors and staff members.
Yes, social media provides greater visibility into our actions, but continuing to be human is even more important than ever. It is a fine line, but I have not yet been uncomfortable with Todd’s choices.
Todd has put a lot of personal effort into supporting the ever-growing number of RE BarCamps. I admire and support his efforts. It’s unfortunate that a misunderstanding of how Twitter works led to this personal attack on Todd, and I appreciate the outpouring of support for Todd here and on Twitter. I’m glad to see that this post is more popular than the original.
@hilarymarsh
see this is where people become enraged. Nothing he does makes you uncomfortable?
Remember the time I had a phone chat w/you around midnight because of his actions?
Do you feel comfortable his discussing his drinking habits on Twitter?
Are you for real?????????
Savvy? Did you see his tweet?
There is no way anyone could ever justify that tweet. It’s two hashtags:
#1 the hashtag of the barcamp
#2 the hashtag #fail
You should feel bad for your member, Greg. You know the one who pays the dues. Who’s working hard.
Has Todd ever been a licensed real estate agent?
A dues paying member?
Your response is what the membership, sadly, is used to getting.
Hilary
I’m astonished that you could back him up after the tweet which is clearly is mean-spirited. Two hashtags. TWO.
This is a public relations nightmare for the National Association of Realtors.
@hilarymarsh
“Popular?” What are we in high school? If you put these posts infront of any PROFESSIONAL corporation /Fortune 500 company they would cringe–and rightly so.
Popular? I’m still aghast. Perhaps it has escaped you that the re.net group that once “supported” Todd a year ago has been whittled down to a group of about 8.
There is no excuse for Todd not to have a complete grasp of SM (being that he is the SM professional that you hired) and the implications of the tweet WITH THE HASHTAG OF #FAIL WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT!
Hilary, et al
Here are other tweets from Todd’s timeline where he uses the hashtag #fail to illustrate or describe failure:
http://www.screencast.com/user.....9559296fef
I will re-type the tweet:
#rebcin #fail
Here’s a link to the screenshot of the tweet:
http://www.screencast.com/user.....652b082aa4
Hilary
Popular? I’m still in shock. Just as a matter of fact this post (with my comment) has 72 responses.
Gregs post, the first one, and factually, the more popular one has 82 responses.
#fail.
Hilary,
People get mad when you treat them like they are stupid.
Just pointing out something I find VERY curious….
Off all those 180ish Tweets in the PDF file Benn linked to, the ONLY one with a hard line break before the time stamp is the “#rebcin #fail” Tweet.
That’s quite strange that the Tweet in question would be formatted differently than every other Tweet in that list.
See the short Tweets at top of page 10 and 19. See how the time stamp follows IMMEDIATELY after the message?
Yet the “#rebcin #fail” Tweet has a line break after the message, forcing the time stamp to a new line.
And that’s the ONLY one in that entire list formatted that way.
You can interpret that however you want, but you can’t deny that it’s quite odd this suspected evil Tweet is formatted differently than every other one on the list.
Oh, and it’s been deleted too….
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Although there are no other two word tweets, here are some locations with similar formatting of single line tweets on one line with timestamp on the second line:
bottom of page 6
2nd tweet on page 17
mid-page 19
bottom of page 21
top of page 22
bottom of page 22
tweet in question
Some two line tweets that have room for the first part of the time stamp but instead have a break:
page 2
2nd tweet on page 5
2nd tweet on page 12
mid-page 18
There isn’t much curious here except the tweet in question and why it is not in the current timeline.
If it happened just like Todd says (or doesn’t say) it happened then NAR can explain it to IAR.
Every one you mention looks like a natural line break to me Benn, not a hard break like in the evil Tweet.
The two very short Tweets I mentioned above were the closest I found to the length of the Tweet in question.
But maybe that’s me.
Yes. Why would the first one be deleted? That’s most curious to me.
I’m getting my resume ready!!!
I’ll get all wacked out on vicodins and sh*t and @hilarymarsh will probably give me a “friggen” raise!
Rock on Hil’!
Lani and Benn have always allowed their contributors to write without censorship, so I wouldn’t expect them to change their position for Greg’s post.
I do agree with the sentiment, “everything we say and do online is a refection of us and our company” and Google never forgets. Some people don’t either!
And the support of Benn & Lani (even when they disagreed) is what made this the place it has been – this post was not about them but about someone who I believe misused a platform that was made available to him – and I felt that Greg’s action was a poor reflection on Agent Genius – and that was why I wrote this post – which I hope is a better reflection of Agent Genius and its contributors
Wow, this is an intense discussion. Will keep a look out for the video. Is another example to be careful what you post, whether it be a blog or a video.
I guess I was busy having fun yesterday and missed the festivities but to quote Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along”.
It’s just my opinion but personal attacks are not necessary to make a point and reflect badly on us.
I tried to stay out of this whole mess but I do find it curious how two wrongs can possibly make it right. If you disagreed with Greg’s post, why don’t you just comment on Greg’s post. Let him have it if you disagree with him! This post is arguably intended to harm AG for the exact same reason that Greg went after Todd. Reminds me of the bible verse that says he who is without sin cast the first stone (at the sinner). Respectfully, DL.
Doug:
I didn’t respond on Greg’s post because I didn;t want to have that discussion on that post. I wanted to take the time to frame a response as a contributor to Agent Genius because I believed that Greg’s choice- to use Agent Genius as a platform for his personal attack on someone – was his choice, and not a position taken by the publishers of Agent Genius. Therefore by making another post, I demonstrated that Agent Genius remains (as it has been during the years of my association with this blog) a place where contributors are free to take their personal stands in the manner that makes them most comfortable.
Your statement “This post is arguably intended to harm AG for the exact same reason that Greg went after Todd” has no content. What harm can be done by a post which starts by noting that the publishers of Agent Genius do not interfere with (and are therefore not responsible for ) their contributors? And how can this post be seen as a personal attack of any one? I didn’t even attack Greg, but merely pointed out that his actions were inappropriate.
Doug, if you knew me better, you would know that if I have an issue with anything, I address it head on – if I had a problem with Agent Genius I would call Benn and Lani and express it. I have no such issue with them regarding this post, and did not at any time suggest that Greg’s actions were of their creation.
As far as being without sin, I haven’t met that person – but you won’t find such a personal attack authored by me anywhere – I don’t roll that way
@hilarymarsh
EST update at 10:45 am on Monday 2/1/2010
This post 82 comments—”the other post” (you know the one that you hope YOUR bosses don’t see) 102 comments.
Clearly, and without any doubt, the “other” post is “more popular.”
Hey Kevin – while your counting comments don’t forget that the link here drives people to that post while the permalink to this post is at the bottom of the comments – so that may not be an accurate reflection – However if you see the number of people supporting Greg’s action, and the number of people who think (as I did ) that his post was inappropriate, I think you might see her point.
But either way it doesn;’ matter – personal attacks are not the way to make any point – in fact they obscure the points you might try to make – and that was the point of this post.
Wait, now it’s counting comments and rating “popularity” based on number of comments? I look to this community for intelligence and integrity. There is an old but very appropriate saying “Principles before Personalities”. If the conversation stuck to that it might merit further participation and observation. Some take the high road and I thank those who have for staying there. It is the road less traveled for a reason. Others, not so much. peace.
@hilarymarsh
I’d still like to know if @tcar has or ever had a real estate license.
Was he ever a dues paying member?
…still waiting……
I know Todd, Bill, Benn, and Lani. I don’t know Greg, but he seems a regular guy to me.
This is indeed an atypical ‘event’ for AG, at least from where I sit.
I don’t have a dog in this fight, um, discussion. I’ll make a few observations made from outside the room, so to speak.
1. This seems to be the poster child illustration for turning a ‘2′ into a ‘10′.
2. A large portion of the comments seem to be pushing not only personal agendas, but border on a personal nature.
3. This is what I come to AG to avoid.
Please don’t misconstrue #3. I’m pretty sure this isn’t what Benn & Lani prefer. They’ve incredibly positive people. This has given me pause as I my own blog transitions to a multi-author format. Lord, help me.
Jeff, You might want to rethink that multi-author format….
BawldGuy said “A large portion of the comments seem to be pushing not only personal agendas, but border on a personal nature”
You think?
Best observation I’ve seen.
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Brad – I don’t think there’s any border …
Brad – I don’t think there’s any border …
It lies between integrity and reaction. We look for it all the time.
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I do not have a “dog in this fight” either.
But I do think it’s a little ridiculous to assume that what Todd says on Twitter won’t be somehow connected to the NAR. He’s not a chef at your local olive garden who talks on Twitter, he’s the SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER for a large organization. In a sense, yes, you lose your freedom to say whatever you like because you ARE affiiated with the organization in a high profile position.
Have you ever seen @scottmonty ? He’s the social media guy for Ford and you better believe if he said anything personal from his account, which is his own name, Ford would have something to say if it caused a problem.
Bottom line is if you are a SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER for any organization your Twitter account is not as free flowing and personal as you might like it to be. What you say can have repercussions regarding who you represent. Period.
What if @scottmonty said women can’t handle a mustang? Might make some ladies mad right? (just an example, he did not say that) @scottmonty is a great example of how social media works by the way.
Again, I’m not against Todd. I’m not personally bothered that he likes Makers Mark or whatever he likes to drink. I’m not even sure that his tweet wasn’t taken the wrong way, it may or may not have been.
But you better believe if you hold a social media position then what you say from your Twitter account will be linked to the company. Not that it can’t be personal… Because it can. Just kind of use smart PR for yourself.
Bill
I was responding to Hil’s statement that this post is more popular. I told five people about this “popular” thing today. It had me laughing all day.
Popular!
I feel bad for the person who could have been harmed, and at THE VERY LEAST, was embarrassed by Todd’s guffaw as a SM PROFESSIONAL.
Todd is NOT the wronged person here.
Jay Thompson for NAR’s new Social Media Manager!!!
Um, I am still planning to go to another RE Barcamp. They have always been informative, fun, free-wheeling, and thought provoking.
Anyone else think so?
I don’t have a ‘dog in this fight’, and Kevin, I am not a Realtor (nor an agent), just fyi and full disclosure and all.
I HAVE been to a bar camp (REBCPHL), and I do like me the twitter, tho. So here are my casual-observer-observations:
If a person has a PERSONAL twitter account, who happens to be the social media director for a large corporation, and who thereby moderates his personal tweets to reflect the message of the corporation….well then, that’s not really a personal account is it? That’s really just a corporate account in a personal account’s clothing. That’s really the megaphone pointed back out at the consumer. And that is NOT what social media is about.
And that’s what I learned from Bill Lublin at #REBCPHL.
Kevin – tweeted. your ‘past tense of tweet reference’, although humorous to yourself, was vulgar and offensive. grow up dude.
I read the tweet. I listened to the video. You people scare me to death.. really. Everyone here I have seen has posted a few things that have made me tilt my head curiously. My own sense of humor and satire is probably equally confusing for those who do not know me as well. Frankly, I have formed an observance that:
1. Maybe Greg has have a personal agenda, perhaps you want Todd Carpenter’s job. fora ll I know, since he spoke of “Agent Genius,” like their representative, looking from the outside, perhaps all of them want Todd’s job.(thank God, I have engaged Ben, Lani and Ines enough to know better.)
2. I don’t care for people who sensationalize their opinions of others with props such as big bones and handle them like a club that he is ready to smack someone with. The visual make me nervous.
3. I think the people at NAR know Todd Carpenter for the work he provides to them and they “Get it”. Most people who are not judgmental of the private lives of others “get it” too. It’s engagement..engage,.. or disengage.
Lastly, I’m not all up in the know with all these people, but until I watched that video.. I was pretty impressed. Now, I am just pissed off that the nature of some people is to use what they perceive as their influence to harm someone else, to get ahead. It never ceases to disappoint me.
I have just about four things to say:
1. I am unfollowing Greg, and hope I never meet him, or worse, he ever meets me.
2. I am not about to start my social media networking with people who are insulting to anyone and, in my opinion, should probably be sued for slander, defamation and libel.
3. I am unsure if I want to follow a few others who posted here as well. Worse, they’re from my state.
4. The day that politicians invade REBarcamps is the day I quit going or recommending them to anyone.
I’m trying to plan a REBarCamp for Orlando before the Florida Realtors State convention…. and I plan on asking Todd Carpenter for all the help I can get.
Oh yes.. and one last thing, I am a Maker’s Mark Ambassador.. does that make me a bad Realtor? Pahhhhleease. Anybody with confusion.. take it up with me in person, I’m a big girl.
What she said…or well said, anyway, yeah!
It’s people like you who make RE BarCamp a good experience. Good luck in Orlando!
How effing dare anyone out there make fun of Todd after all he’s has been through.!
All you people care about is….. readers and making money off of him.
HE’S A HUMAN! (ah! ooh!) What you don’t realize is that Todd is making you all this money and all you do is write a bunch of crap about him.
He hasn’t performed on stage in years. His site is called “snap.tc” for a reason because all you people want is MORE! MORE-MORE, MORE: MORE!.
LEAVE HIM ALONE! You are lucky he even performed for you BASTARDS!
LEAVE TODD ALONE!…..Please.
Perez Hilton talked about professionalism and said if Todd was a professional he would’ve pulled it off no matter what.
Speaking of professionalism, when is it professional to publicly bash someone who is going through a hard time.
Leave Todd Alone Please…. !
Leave Todd Carpenter alone!…right now!….I mean it.!
Anyone that has a problem with him you deal with me, because he is not well right now.
LEAVE HIM ALONE!
You know even though a video post was at the start of this, I really think I this would have been funnier if you had done it as a video
I second that…
I might as well third it. I was going to do it, but didn’t have any mascara.
What strikes me the most about the video is the fact that there must have been several points along the way to pause for a bit of reflection, perhaps some cooling of jets, and ultimately, the realization that the video may have been a cathartic activity but had best be left unpublished.
The other thing I noticed–and forgive me if I’m mistaken–is that Todd uttered words of apology several times in his initial comments, while no such offerings can be found among Greg’s follow-ups. I’m all for sticking with what one believes, but there’s something to be said of apologizing and moving on, of being the bigger man.
That said, I can’t help but feel sorry for Greg. I’ve been that guy before, and though he may deserve the criticism, it doesn’t feel good. Sucks, man, but that’s what you get.
Not knowing either Mr. Carpenter or Mr. Cooper, I still think if Todd identifies himself as a NAR employee on his personal Twitter site, he should limit the “F-bombs” and comments about how much he drinks. And if he actually did say that the BARcamp would fail, prior to camp even starting, he is obviously way too immature to have a high profile job. This kid needs to grow up or NAR needs to have a come to Jesus meeting with him.