Stefan-

Like everything on the net, one needs to consider "both hands". On the one hand all this stuff (blogs, social nets, etc) are just webpages. And most are free. And most get lots of traffic. And most let you link. Are you with me? Links are the engine that drives Google, especially from large sites. And these free pages and links drive traffic.

On the other hand, many who sell the dream say that a blog, or a spot in myspace, or facebook or their own razzle dazzle social system made especially for real estate is the answer to capture targeted prospects.

Well the first hand is probably closer to reality and the latter a sales pitch. In fact, traffic from social nets caused Google to lose cash for the first time recently.

“We have found that social networks are not monetizing as well as we were expecting,” said George Reyes, chief financial officer, as Google reported its earnings for the final quarter of last year.
http://www.houseblogger.com/houseblogger/2008/02/social-networks.html

At the end of the day, the sale of the social anything web is on the one hand ;-) always been part of the web. Even pre web (web as defined by browser searchable). It dates back to the old BB boards of the original internet. It was mostly all social.

On the other hand Web 2.0 sure makes it easier to be sociable. But the idea of it being a boon to ones business is mostly hype.

UNLESS. One takes the time to individually enter conversations where your prospects reside.

This will more than likely not be large scale aps like facebook, but smaller aps that relate to community focus. In most cases these do not exist yet. But where and when they do, this is where the cake will be.

The biggest lesson one can learn is your future prospects probably are not as interested in real estate as much as you or I. They are not on a real estate site 90% of their surfing hours like you or I. They are living out their own lives and their own interests.

Regarding the conversation I have to be honest here. My motivation for posting is a link or traffic back to my site. I am a businessman afterall.

And I think most online agents will agree with me in an honest moment. However, I often see agents entering the conversation without giving to the conversation.

What most do not get, is that you have given me, and others the opportunity to be relevant. in this comment section. If my contribution is retarded and selfish then that is the outcome and perception to the reader. That is really what this word that is knocked around called transparency really means.

So enter a conversation and give. Comments should be called contribute. Perhaps it would serve everyone much further.

This requires a philosophy and thought. It is work to write meaningfully. It is however exactly why if done, you will prosper. Because most people are simply front runners looking for a fast buck. In the end if you contribute you will find that local niche out there on the web and you will own them. And anyone can do this on any website, yours or some other ap that is kind enough to provide space for your contribution.