What Is A Gravatar?

A gravatar, or avatar more commonly recognized, is a picture or logo that you use to brand yourself or your business.  This gravatar follows you from weblog to weblog appearing beside your name when you comment on sites.

Whenever you comment on a Gravatar enabled Wordpress blog, your gravatar will appear with your comment.  The Gravatar image is stored on the Gravatar server and is triggered by filling in your email address when you leave a comment.

Gravatar plugins are available for popular blogging software; when the user posts a comment on such a blog that requires an email address, the blogging software checks whether that e-mail address has an associated avatar at Gravatar. If so, the Gravatar is shown along with the comment.

Using gravatars helps give our AZ Real Estate Blogging Network a more friendly and personal environment and we would encourage you to set up one up for yourself.  Remember you don’t have to use a photograph it could be just a unique image that identifies you.

The main reason for wanting a gravatar is to increase brand awareness - a picture of you or your logo is going to be seen and, hopefully, remembered by everyone who reads your comments.  Even if you don’t have a business or a brand, it is still a fun way to get yourself noticed in the blogosphere.

Here at www.AZRealEstateBlogs.com we actually have enhanced the gravatars and have used them for our author pages, side bar and tabber section with all our Writers. If you click on our writers gravatar it will take you to each author page and a small bio of each writer for our AZ Real Estate Blogging Network.

Gravatars are very basic to set up.  New users can register for an account by using their email address (or several email addresses), and upload your image to be associated with the account.  All to often the incorrect email address is used in the comment field and your image will not appear once you leave a comment.

When you own a gravatar and you are an active commenter on blogs or sites (that are enabled with gravatars) it’s very important that you plan ahead on what emails you will be leaving behind in the comment field. Remember the avatar recognizes the email address in your account.  If you don’t use the correct email address, then in it’s place it will be a default image, basically Casper the ghost!

Gravatars are very easy to set-up, here are the steps to set up a gravatar:

• • Sign up for a free account at http://en.gravatar.com/
  • Verify your email address by clicking on the link in the email you are sent
  • Choose a nickname and password (only lowercase letters and numbers allowed)
  • Upload a picture to the site from your hard drive or use an online image
  • Crop your picture to suit (slide the slider to the left to shrink your picture)
  • Choose a rating
  • Click on the image to associate it with the email address, it’s that simple!

Your gravatar will show up next time you comment here since we have Gravatars enabled on our Wprdpress blog.

Trouble Shooting  -  The two main reasons for a gravatar not showing up is:

a) You used upper case letters somewhere in your email address or the incorrect email address.
b) Your gravatar is stuck in the cache - if you email me at info@azrealestateblogs.com and I will clear the cache to see if this solves the problem. The blog’s cache is periodically cleared automatically so you can also wait to see if it shows.

So, are you ready to set up your Gravatar?

Different FREE IDX Options - ARMLS Integration

Are you still framing the IDX feed that you get for free from ARMLS? Think that is your only option?  Think again…at the ARMLS Tech Fair I found two different options for FREE IDX integration.

First one is Diverse Solutions.  Their dsSearchAgent “Lite” product includes map search, Satellite and Terrain maps, and flash slide shows for the pictures from each listing.  They have a paid version that includes lots of other features including a text messaging widget that allows visitors to text you right from your website.  This is a good general search option.

For those who want to specialize in a particular area, visit CyberhomesPro.com and click on “Cyberhomes Smart Frame.”  This will take you to a search page for city, state or zip, then give you the embed code you need to add it to your website.  The company would like you to purchase ads on their main page, but it is not necessary to use the service. The reason it is free is because it is an ad based model, however no ads show up on your site.

If you use one of these solutions, let us know what you think!

Rob the Tech Guy

Podcast Coming to AZ Real Estate Blogging Network!

Isn’t Technology great? I think so with the help of David Lopez, owner of Pezaudio.com.

Today was my first venture with Pezaudio and setting up a Podcast for AZ Real Estate Networking and paving the way for other AZREBN bloggers!

David Lopez has accepted an offer to join AZREBN as a regular contributor/writer sharing his expertise with audio broadcasting. David has a long history with audio technology and I will leave that for you to hear on this podcast interview below…

Diverse Solutions Comes to Arizona - ARMLS Tech Fair

For those of you that didn’t make it by the ARMLS Tech Fair on August 21-22 this past week, there is no doubt you missed some fantastic vendors that are moving and shaking in the real estate technology field.

If you haven’t put technology on your ‘to-do’  list to investigate for your real estate business then I’m here to tell you shouldn’t waste anymore time!

I personally am a gadget junkie and anyone that knows me personally will tell you that I love working on the Internet, love trying and testing new gadgets and can always find me on my computer!  I’m all about learning new technology that will help my real estate business. Fry’s Electronics in Tempe is a hot spot of mine along with www.newegg.com!

Jay, Jonathan and I were invited to be guests of Diverse Solutions a vendor that offers the dsSearchAgent IDX solutions for real estate professionals. I have nothing but good reports from my clients that find my Search Phoenix MLS page with the dsSearchAgent mapping system is a breeze to work with and very user friendly.

The added modules and upgrade features available for agents and brokers is pretty slick. If you haven’t take a stroll on Diverse Solutions website, I encourage you to do so! I think once you share this product with your clients, I am confident they won’t be looking anywhere else!

Some of the features you will enjoy are the instant, single page interface so that your visitors spend less time waiting and more time searching.  A complete custom RSS feeds that can be created by you, assistant or your visitor.  You will also find integrated Google Steet View in the property details of every single property (when available).  Built in flash slideshow with the option to view full size photos and not jumping off the page!  Complete color customization so the the IDX solution perfectly matches the colors of your websites.

One of my favorite features is the dsAgentChat® dialog chat boxes so visitors can chat live with you while actually searching the MLS.  If you aren’t near your computer then you get a SMS text message direct to your cell phone and able to text a response immediately!  Isn’t technology fantastic!!

The ARMLS Tech Fair turned out to be a blast hanging with Robert Luna and Corey Kozlowski with Diverse Solutions, Jay and Jonathan.

If you are interested in taking a test drive or want more information visit ARMLS site here.  If you have any questions or thoughts about how the dsSearchAgent IDX works or other features, send me an text/chat request and I will be happy to give you my testimonial personally!

SEVRAR Technology Convention - Growing Profits

The 27th of January SEVRAR is hosting its first Technology Convention. The theme is Growing Profits Through Technology. We have as our Keynote Speaker Jack Peckham, the President of the Real Estate Cyberspace Socitey.  Jay the Phoenix Real Estate Guy will also be speaking along with Joeann Fossland and many others.

More information to come, but this is going to be a great event!
Rob Gibbs

ARMLS Tech Fair - Come Find Me!

For those of you that enjoy the technology as much as I do and know how important technology is a must have in the Real Estate business. You probably don’t want to miss the ARMLS Tech Fair this week, Thursday & Friday, August 21-22, 2008.

I’ve been ask to join some fine local Phoenix professional bloggers, Jay Thompson and Jonathan Dalton to share some insight on blogging and networking.  I will be there representing the AZ Real Estate Blogging Netwowrk that I founded in April of 2008.  Jonathan is the owner/author of the new blog, NEWARMLS.com where you can find more details about the fair and information pertaining to the newly launched Flex MLS platform.

Jay Thompson, Broker/Owner of Thompson’s Realty and is a veteran blogger here in the Phoenix metro area. Jay also joins me as a contributor to AZ Real Estate Blogging Network blog.  His expertise and knowledge far exceeds most bloggers here in the Valley of the Sun. You could say Jay is the ‘Grand Daddy’ of Phoenix bloggers. Of course, he has been called various nicknames just in the brief year that I’ve known Jay. I invite you to google, ’sexy phoenix realtor’ and see who shows up numero uno!

You will be able to find Jay, Jonathan and myself at the Diverse Solutions vendor booth. DS will be there demonstrating and showing their fantastic product that is an IDX search product with additonal features.

If you would like to see how Diverse Solutions has been implemented on my personal website and Arizona Real Estate blog, you can find the MLS IDX search page at my Phoenix Arizona Real Estate Homes weblog.

The Tech Fair will bring together leading vendors with up-to-the minute technology designed for the real estate industry.  This two day event will give the vendors the opportunity to show off their products all under one roof.

The vendors are prepared to answer your questions, concerns and curiosities about products you might be considering that will enhance your business.

The fair will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 21-22 and will be held at Monterra at Westworld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Be sure to stop by the Diverse Solutions booth and say, “hi” and check out AZ Real Estate Blogging Network.

There will be ongoing instructions and demonstrations on how Diverse Solutions works and you will be able to see it live on our websites.

Other vendors that will be attending are HomeQuest, 1parkplace, HomePages, Market Leader, SuccessWebSystems, iHomeFinder, TrackRE Technology, MarketLinx - AgentAchieve, Pocket Real Estate, Cyberhomes, VoicePad and more…

Be sure to bring a business card as there is going to be a drawing for a portable GPS each day!!

Looking forward to seeing you,

Candace Robinson

AZREBN Founder/Member

www.AZRealEstateBlogs.com

www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateHomes.com

iPhone! What Is It Good For?

As many of you know, I won an iPhone from PropertyQube a while back, when I helped PropertyQube attract more new customers by growing my own PropertyQube network…sort of a win-win.  I’ve had my iPhone for roughly a month now, and thought now would be an excellent time to post on my findings thus far.

First, I must say I have no other SmartPhone to compare an iPhone too.  I am coming from a Motorola Razr as a mobile phone, so I don’t know how it compares to a Blackberry or Treo from personal experience.  If you are looking for such a comparison, I might suggest you visit My Tech Opinion.  Particularly read the comments if you are with Verizon or TMobile customer and can’t see yourself switching.

The Good

As far as the iPhone goes, I absolutely love it.  I can Twitter great.  I can update my location on Brightkite.  I can take some pretty decent photos, and post them to my personal blog: My Side Door via the WordPress App.  I can take notes via typing or voice recording on EverNote, and then view/listen to those notes later from my desktop PC (that’s great for when you have a blogging idea when you are out and about and don’t want to forget it!).  Of course I can read/send email, read/update my calendar, and read/update my contacts all real time, as if I were sitting at my desktop, thanks to the integration between iPhone and Microsoft Exchange (if you aren’t managing your business email/calendar/contacts via Microsoft Exchange, we’ll talk later about the HUGE boat you are missing).

Naturally, I can text message people, and place and send calls, but what phone can’t do that.  Being a movie buff, I like the BoxOffice application that tells me what’s playing and when at Desert Ridge or the Cine Capri.  On more than one occasion, I’ve used the integrated Google Maps feature to chat with a client about where we are going next, or help a lost soul find their way.  Many people enjoy the free internet radio service Pandora.  I honestly haven’t used it much, but my limited use has been favorable.  The iPhone is also an ipod, which I enjoy on my 4 hour bicycle rides.  It’s also ideal for watching video podcasts, like GeekBrief.TV.  Facebook, Pownce, Loopt, and Jott all have iPhone apps, for those that are heavy into those sites.  Facebook is the only one I use, but honestly, I’m not a big Facebook user, which is a mistake I know I need to correct.  So far, a Flickr app is missing.

I also use the application SportsTap to keep track of the Diamondbacks (when basketball starts up, that will include the Suns).  My kids play a number of free games when they are able to pry the iPhone from my hands.  Tap Tap and Moonlight Mahjong are their favorites.

Finally, many websites have iPhone or mobile web support.  FlexMLS’s mobile website is: wireless.flexmls.com.  Other sites that have iPhone support (like my blog, Brightkite, or ESPN), tend to notice that an iPhone is browsing them, and then switch into a simpler display mode.

The Bad

So, what’s not great about the iPhone?  The most important thing to me is the quality of the 3G network in my neck of the woods (North Scottsdale).  It’s horrible.  To combat this, I’ve turned off 3G unless I’m some place other than my home, office, Starbucks, or any other location north of Frank Lloyd Wright and East of Loop 101.  The regular Edge network is fast enough, and has better coverage.

With 3G turned off, that also helps the next major shortcoming: battery life.  I have an iLuv docking station at my office, and then a Belkin TuneBase FM for my car, which means it’s actually on a charger most of the time.  During a recent Diamondbacks game, however, I was able to nearly deplete the battery with some fairly heavy usage in just 3 hours via twittering, browsing, texting, and taking some photos.  At the time I was sitting next to a Blackberry user, and he had a similar experience, however.  Speaking of taking photos…that’s the fastest way to kill the battery.  I left it on camera mode this last Saturday morning and drained the battery in 2 hours.

My final gripe is with Starbucks and AT&T.  Starbucks decided to allow 2 hours of free wifi per day for its customers.  “GREAT!” I screamed, as wifi is even faster than 3G.  But here’s the catch.  You have to log in to the system when you arrive at Starbucks (via Safari), a process that is very time consuming, but 50% of the time doesn’t seem to work.  Then, if your session expires, which it seems to do very quickly, you have to log in again.  This might not be a big deal on a PC, where Firefox remembers your userid/password, but on the iPhone, I’m required to start over from scratch each time.  It’s a big enough hassle that I’ve completely stopped bothering.  I’m griping about it, because Starbucks has this arrangement via AT&T, and AT&T sells the iPhone.  The system should transparent when I’m on my iPhone at a Starbucks, and there shouldn’t be a 2 hr time limit for AT&T customers.  Stop requiring logins AT&T & Starbucks!

I’m not going to complain about the lack of copy/paste or SMS messaging (this is me not complaining).  The former is odd, while the latter I wouldn’t use much anyway.  I will complain about the speed of the text entry on some blogs/websites.  I have no idea why, but for example, when typing into the reply box on Trulia Voices, the iPhone goes into brain freeze mode, and typing speed is limited to 1 character per second…or maybe slower.  The lack of flash support can be frustrating as well.

Keeping it from getting ugly

If you decide to get an iPhone, you will almost certainly decide to get a protective case of some sort.   Lately I’ve been a bit fumble fingered around the iPhone, so it’s been nice that it’s protected.  I feel fortunate to have lucked into buying a Griffon Elan Form 3G after scouring the shelves of the Apple Store for 30 minutes.  This is a hard case with a leather outer, so it’s comfortable to the touch, while being protective.  Most people that have held my case, and have the silicon gel cases prefer my case.  Another ok buy was the Apple clear anti-glare shield for the screen.  Judging by the condition of this screen protector, I’m glad I have it.  However, it seems to scratch somewhat easily, leading me to considering the Zagg InvisibleShield here in a month or two, as that shield is not supposed to scratch and has a lifetime warranty.

Should you get an iPhone?

That’s a tough question.  The 16GB version is $399.  The unlimited voice, data, and texting plan is $140/month (or so) plus tax.  It’s undoubtedly the most expensive mobile phone solution there is.  For those that love their Treo for it’s lockbox access, that alone could be a deal breaker.  For Blackberry users, I can’t find a compelling reason to want a Blackberry, aside from the keyboard, and honestly, I’ve gotten quite a bit better at using the touch screen for a keyboard.  The first time I used it I thought it was impossible.  Now it’s a breeze.

Blogger Spotlight of the Month!

AZ Real Estate Blogging Network has had a total makeover this month and with it’s NEW LOOK including you will find some great new features!

One being this SPOTLIGHT section that will feature a Blogger and their blog! This area will be used as a place where we can get to know an existing blogger or perhaps celebrate a newly designed or new bloggers blog!

We are excited here at AZREBN with this added feature and look forward to sharing other bloggers with you! If you or someone you know has an exceptional blog and want to shout out about it, please contact AZREBN at info@azrealestateblogs.com and nominate them for the “BloggerSpotlight” of the month!

If you would like to join our group please be sure to fill in the email form up on the upper right hand corner of the homepage and click on the RSS button for the feed. Also, email AZREBN at join at azrealestateblogs.com to be included in the announcements for our local monthly meetings.

Announcing Candace Robinson’s new Phoenix Arizona Real Estate Home’s blog.

Candace is using a Wordpress theme for both this site and her personal www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateHomes.com site.

How to Post on Typepad-Part 1

When you’re ready to update your blog, you can add a Post to Your Weblog. All of your posts are available within your blog Archives. TypePad’s intuitive interface allows you to add content, pictures and links quickly and easily. Whether you know a little bit about technology or a lot, you can go from blank screen to live blog in minutes.

Here is a quick video on

How To Do A Basic Post in Typepad…

How to post on TypePad from Rob Gibbs on Vimeo.

Win Flip Mino Video Camera

I highly recommend that if you are looking to get some great new FREE Themes for your wordpress blog, then you might want to take a look at ChiQ’s blog. WPThemeDesigner is also hosting their second contest and after just a few things on a checklist on the first contest I was able to win a Premium Theme for myself (undecided what or who will get it). Check out the next contest she is doing, Win a FLIP Mino Video.. I have three for my family and we use them all the time! You have just as good a chance as anyone else.. Also, take note of the great tips ChiQ gives on bring traffic to your blog, what a concept, ‘hold a contest’…hmmmm… See the contest rules below:

Contest: Win Flip Mino Video Camera!

Once again wordpressthemedesigner.com brings to you another exciting contest! Get a chance to win the trendiest gadget that has been rocking the blogging world - the Flip Mino Video Camera. This contest is graciously sponsored by the best Affiliate Network in the planet, Market Leverage.

How to Join:

Step 1: Subscribe to the Feed - click here! *compulsory

Step 2: Blog About This Contest *compulsory

(a) Copy and Paste Contest Details >> click here for html code <<

(b) optional: add a paragraph or two containing any of the ff suggested topics: (1) why you think wpthemedesigner.com rocks! (2) why you think marketleverage.com is the best affiliate network in the planet (3) why you want to win this contest.

Total: 10 points

Additional Points

Sign-up for Market Leverage under WPTD. If you have not joined Market Leverage yet, then joining this contest would be the most opportune time to do so. Besides, you get a higher chance of winning this contest. What could be better than that, huh? Click Here, you will be automatically redirected to the sign-up page. I will be able to verify it, so no worries.

Bonus: 5 points

Contest Prizes

1st Place - Flip Mino Video Camera
2nd place - $100 ML Reward
3rd place - $50 ML Reward

Contest Ends on August 17, 2008. Each point counts as your name being put down once in a randomizer using random.org

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