Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
BP Nation is approaching the 100,000 member mark (currently at 91,000+ and the average number of members active in a 24 hour period ranges from 700-800 each day.
My question is, will we start averaging 1000 members active each day before we hit the 100,000 member mark or vice versa?
To me, the more important mark is getting 1000+ users on each day (I am not talking about visitors, but active members using the site each day). The more active users on each day, the better the activity is. While adding more members is great and will help increase the daily count, I think it is important to recognize that BP Nation members need to be active here and not sitting on the sidelines.
Speaking for some of the newbies to this site here. I love this site and have told everyone I know about it. I have learned more then I can tell you from it. and I have been investing for a while. It took me three months before I signed in for the first time. Here's why
There are a lot of big players on this site with mass amounts of knowledge and we all know our $0.02 is welcome and accepted.
However knowing the level of talent on this site it can still be hard to sign in because nobody wants to look stupid.
I, myself have anwsered some threads and compared my thoughts to some of the others peoples comments and felt " Why did I bother' they know more than I do.
We know we are welcome. It just takes some people more time to get used to the idea that even if we feel uncomfortable with writing in our thoughts are still welcome.
Well, not all of us have time management issues, obviously.
I agree with Steve and Josh, that new people really do have something to offer in keeping a conversation going. There is no such thing as a dumb question, if you don't know, you just don't know, sure doesn't mean you don't know anything.
I'd say too that as Steve mentioned, many comments may turn the light on to related issues that would not otherwise be addressed, so speak up!
The reason I'm here is to provide my views for the newbies who are starting out, who are trying to shape their business. If you don't ask you'll destroy my hobby.... :)
IMO the opinions of newbies are priceless. The problems they face, viewpoints they have and barriers to market entry, what ever your investment goals are, provide great insight, for me, and prove an awesome pulse on the market. There are always economies of scale in every industry. Always new participants and seasoned participants. Perhaps, the tone of conviction that comes from more seasoned folks proves to spook new posters. Do not be intimidated by the length or breadth of posts. (I know I like to type small thesis) The real difference between the new poster and the old poster is only the recognition of value in posting. There is no right or wrong, this is not an exact science. Post with conviction and be prepared to learn and develop. I know I am not always right, but I will stand on my belief until I see the error in my ways. That is the same process that a small little company called Microsoft pledged to. A trial by peers on this site is not a trial, it is a class room for all of us.
It has been said time and again, one of the best ways to learn, is to teach. BP is a perfect forum for that. (nice job Josh!)
I will have to concur with Joshua Dorkin on the point regarding the most active and participating members are the ones who usually get the most back in teh form of deals, partnerships, friends, money, etc.
Just today, I had someone from So CAL sign up for my new online business and that person is a BP Member. That member noticed me from my large amounts of activity and the fact that I was another So CAL investor. This is only one tiny example of numerous benefits I receive from my activity here.
One could argue that someone with as many posts and contributions as I have made should be paid for it. I would agree, and state that I have been in the form of many friends, many deals, many clients, many private lenders, several JV's, and the joy I get from educating others.
I haven't been as active as I could be, but I just signed up a couple days ago. But I will strive to be better. :) I've observed that BP a place for people, despite the differences, to help each other out and provide rational answers. Cheers!
I think getting rid of the Influence and Award system would encourage more members and newbie investors to participate. Even though Joshua says the Influence system is only an indication of participation, I think it suggests expertise and experience, which of course it cannot and does not measure. I've received many calls and emails from BP members that refer to my level of vast experience and expertise. They have no way of knowing what that is other than assuming it from my level of participation on BP.
I'm not a fan of the introductions or or "newbie in xx" threads as I find them a waste of time and thread page space. I like to get to the topics or questions. But I value all questions and experience levels. Questions from investors with little RE buying experience are especially useful to me. The questions they ask about buying and selling are similar to the ones of many of the sellers I work with. It's sometimes hard to remember what it was like when I didn't know what escrow and title meant. I like being reminded!
Will Barnard I lurked in the shadows here for a couple of years. I made the commitment a couple of weeks ago to get involved. I have a goal of participating in at least one discussion per day. If everyone could adopt a similar goal, BP would be at the 1K mark in no time.
I find that in answering questions and sharing ideas with others on this site helps me solidify and improve my own thinking about my investments. I would not have taken action to get started in my current adventure of investing out of state without the encouragement and knowledge found in this community.
I'm also a newbie and you can bet your last dollar, I'm going to be here bombarding the site with questions until I get my first deal, so if it annoys anyone in particular, you know what you have to do to get me to stop. H-E-L-P M-E! lol Thanks in case I forget to say it after getting my first 5 digit check :) Looking forward to a bright future with BP mentors
Originally posted by Will Barnard:
Originally posted by Jennifer N.:
As a newbie I try not post until I've read through threads and become familiar with the site. Most times the questions I need answers to have already been discussed.
Jennifer N. - That is certainly understandable, but do keep in mind that this site is not just about learning the answers to our burning questions, but also about networking. The more posts you engage in, the more "exposure" you get and thus, have better chances of actually DOING DEALS with other BP Members. That is one of the greatest benefits, but to get it, you have to stay active and post. There is nothing wrong with letting people know what you are looking for and what you are interested in investing in (of course, do so according to forum rules, no solicitations). The more people you engage, the better your chances of doing deals with others, or forming partnerships, JV's, etc.