What makes you a heavy hitter on BP?
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Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
6yThanks for those that mentioned me. There has been a few points where I came to understand the power of the BP website into getting your name out there. The first time I was trading in my cell phone at the tmobile store, and the clerk kept looking at me, and my name on the computer while we were talking...and he finally asked me, are you Russell Brazil from Biggerpockets. Now I was use to people sort of knowing who I was at real estate events, but not in sort of random environments like the cell phone store. The next time was at a conference, and I just sort of ended up in the hallway with about 4 or 5 people and one of them was the keynote speaker, and about 10 minutes he was like your Russell Brazil from BP. So I was like wow, I cant believe this hugely famous person in our industry knew who I was.
This website and its members however have contributed immensely to my business, helped me to build my wealth, and I in turn contribute back into this site. It is for me a hugely symbiotic relationship. Many of my real life closest friends are people who I have met through this site. There are 22 BP moderators, (and a few past moderators) and getting the chance to be a part of that group has given me access to some of the best real estate minds in the country.
Im a huge believe that people should do what they love for a living. My 3 largest passions are real estate, investing, and personal finance. As a real estate agent and investor, I get to live my dream, and luckily my passions happen to be in fields that produce a high income. What some may, or may not know is that the largest percentage of my time spent working in my profession, is contributing to the BP forums. For me, it hasnt been the podcast, nor blogging on the site that return to me anything either financially or in satisfaction.....but posting in the forums returns both the satisfaction to share my passions and help educate others, but it also has had the largest financial return for me of anything in my business. These forums are perhaps the key reason Ive been able to become a top 1% real estate agent. (Though at the very bottom of that 1% percentile) I will actually be speaking at BPCon this October, if it ever happens on the subject of how vendors (agents, lenders, inspectors etc) can use the site to grow their business.
I do admit though, I like the votes, just like people like the likes and hearts on other social media sites. I am the 2nd biggest vote getter on the site behind @Jay Hinrichs.
District Invest Group545 Reviews
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@Brian Ploszay, I think I might share a similar relationship to BP. Although, with me there are times I don't even know what I'm doing here since I'm not usually looking for particular help, and I don't consider myself to have the same depth of knowledge as folks who've already been mentioned. Other times, it can be a treasure hunt for little nuggets of wisdom, or a unique perspective that I haven't heard before.
You bring up a really great point, too. BP is just one resource, and whether it's the community or the "heavy hitters", this shouldn't be the only place people get your information. I think maybe some people find the anonymity easy for light networking and asking questions. But it's hard to replace those other professionals in your local market that you can meet in person.
- Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes6y
OK, I finally got around to actually posting like I mean it here (was busy doing a rehab!)
On BP as a "quick and dirty", for people I don't know, I will generally look at post to vote ratio. Especially over 1,000, it usually ends up that the people who are making the most insightful posts tend to even out or outrun their post count. Thus, while voting for a post can be a popularity contest, and it's always possible that any poster might hit "gold" with a post here and there, time and volume tend to even things out.
The other thing is after you've been here long enough - I think I've been an actual member for maybe 5 years and a lurker maybe a couple years besides that - you start to recognize names and remember advise and information they've posted.
Anyway, here's a bunch of my favorites (until BP cuts me off on autolinking):
@Mike Dymski, @Jerry W., @Shiloh Lundahl, @Joe Splitrock, @Jay Hinrichs, @Russell Brazil, @Natalie Kolodij, @Nicole A., @Mike Cumbie, @Dawn Brenengen, @Lucas Hall, @Julie Marquez, @Joshua D., @Bill Gulley, @Joel Owens, @Ryan Murdock, @David Krulac, @Linda Weygant, @Steve Vaughan, @Ali Boone, @Nathan Gesner, @Brian Ellis, @Randy E., @Brian Gibbons, @Jim K., @Jill F., @Joe Villeneuve, @Andrew Syrios, @Roy N., @Jonathan Greene, @Nicole Heasley Beitenman, and a lot of others I'm sure are slipping my mind at the moment.
I don't know if they qualify as "heavy hitters" or not, but they are thoughtful and insightful and I usually learn something from their posts.
Skyline Properties @JD Martin, Wow, way to blow up those tags!
The more I read from everyone on this thread, the more I'm curious - what are your experiences like before and after reaching that heavy hitter status on BP? Any difference? Any new perspectives?
It really is an interesting thing to become well-known on BP these days. I've also noticed that many folks here are also getting way more exposure on other podcasts because of it, and I even find myself listening in because I want to know more about you beyond the forum posts.
For those of you being modest, let's just assume you qualify if you've been tagged by someone else here! (Ahem... @Jim K.)
- Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes6y
It's crazy to think of back in the day when Josh was a one man band for the whole company.
I think when I was asked to be a moderator there was Jon Holdman helping, maybe Jason Scott, and Will Barnard. Not many back then.
As for accolades I guess it comes down to your WHY for being on Bigger Pockets. I don't really care for the accolades that much. I do get considerable business from Bigger Pockets. My post count isn't as high these days as I post much more selectively now mainly in relation to commercial real estate. I used to answer other forum posts but then you get calls from investors in fields you do not really have a big interest in but might have knowledge on. Now Bigger Pockets is so big that generally enough investors to cover the forums for most answers to questions.
I am very happy for Josh to be able to retire and spend time with his family. He worked countless days and years non-stop to make his dream happen. I remember him asking me on the phone if I wanted to be a moderator and he shared his vision for his company. I said I believed in what he was doing and thought it would be very successful.
These days I have what I call my (Happy Life). I plan out everyday what I want to be doing (how much time with family and friends, my business, exercise, spiritual, etc. ) I have specific traits I look for in passive investors on my syndicate deals and direct clients who want to own something 100% individually. I have an ideal client profile I look for.
So if I make 1 million,2 million etc. a year income that is not the most important thing to me. What is important is how I am living my life and being fulfilled every single day happy doing what I am doing. Money is a byproduct from doing what I love. I get more joy talking to clients and seeing the stories behind their families and life goals and who they are as a person for values. I have a high regard for that way above monetary returns.
Life is all about relationships. If you treat people right and are a good person who has the knowledge and expertise they are looking for that can be a great recipe for success. The people that worship money or sell their soul for a deal soon find out that is not the path to continued success long term. If all you do is burn bridges then eventually nowhere left to go but downward toward your demise.
Be real, be authentic, be happy about yourself and the path you are on. Have a goal of going to bed at night with a clear and calm mind and a happy spirit excited to wake up and get going the next day. If you can't do that it's likely time to do a deep dive on your life and figure out why that is.
- Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Robert C.:
@JD Martin, Wow, way to blow up those tags!
The more I read from everyone on this thread, the more I'm curious - what are your experiences like before and after reaching that heavy hitter status on BP? Any difference? Any new perspectives?
It really is an interesting thing to become well-known on BP these days. I've also noticed that many folks here are also getting way more exposure on other podcasts because of it, and I even find myself listening in because I want to know more about you beyond the forum posts.
For those of you being modest, let's just assume you qualify if you've been tagged by someone else here! (Ahem... @Jim K.)
I was on the BP Podcast (and a few others). For a few months after the podcast I got a lot of PMs and email from people I did and didn't know. I didn't really have anything to sell - I did some online RE coaching for a couple of years, which was basically free until I couldn't keep up with the demand any more and shut it down - so after a while those more or less petered out. I've been a musician most of my life and have had a few "15 minutes of fame" moments, and you find out that they're kind of fun when they're happening but you better have something more meaningful in your life to come back to when it's over, because it's over fast.
One thing about all of it - real fame only happens for a very few people. Everyone else is only famous in a niche. I suspect some people here make a name in the forums and then capitalize/try to capitalize on that name, but if they don't have something real to offer it won't be a secret for long.
Most of the people that I really respect here either have nothing to sell OR do have something to sell but still give you straight, no bias answers. I respect people that will give it to you straight regardless of whether it's helpful to their own bottom line or not.
As for me, becoming semi-known here has been worthwhile for me. I got into a really good mastermind group. I got to be a moderator, which I enjoy. I got to coach a few people that I've seen go on to get their first deals and start moving forward. I gave some talks at REI group meetings, which were fun. And I've had a few people pitch me deals, which didn't turn out but were at least interesting to see.
Someone else mentioned a "why" of being here. For me, it is to learn, but also just to be able to talk to others in real estate. As a guy from a real blue-collar background, I have virtually no one else outside my wife to speak RE about. Most people just glaze over when I start talking about rehabs or cash flow; they're not interested. So BP is my RE people :)
Skyline Properties @Joel Owens, Great perspective, and it's nice to hear some stories about the early days. I'm sure things are very different on BP now, but (as a late-comer) I still get a hint of how tight-knit the community was through many years, and that still carries through in some form today.
I have many conversations these days with friends who've reached a certain financial position about transitioning to a more balanced lifestyle, and in some ways it's easier said than done! There's that twisted thing that happens where having a successful business can still keep you overly pre-occupied, or always reaching for the next goal. One benefit to sheltering in place is that it can give a person perspective on how much time and energy you actually have to put into your wealth-building life.
- Investor · USA · Member since 2015 · 325 posts · 447 votes6y
@Robert C.
Heavy hitter=Kai Van Leuven
@JD Martin, Now you have me thinking about how to turn BP fame into musical fame. BP music festival anyone?...
I could definitely see how mentoring people could be rewarding. I remember when I first started in RE and I was learning about development from a mentor down in LA. It was actually the first "mentor" I ever had in my life, and I was surprised to find that just a few words of encouragement from someone I respected was enough to put a spring in my step. I've yet to pay it forward, but I think that's just a matter of time and being qualified.
- Rental Property Investor · South shore, MA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes6y
I’m surprised that members like @JD Martin and @Steve Vaughan would tag me, I would say I’m probably the least experienced out of BPs “heavy hitters”, although I tend to undermine the success I’ve achieved through real estate in my short time investing. Those two I’ve tagged are definitely the ones I look up to the most here, and value their opinions/suggestions. JD actually helped me with my second purchase and gave me the courage to buy it, and right now it’s the best performing asset I own. Steve has helped me tremendously with saving, And I admire his knowledge. I will never be as smart as him, but I do learn a lot because some of his posts challenge me to really think. I also value @Mike Dymski advise and knowledge a lot as well, from what I’ve seen in his posts I can relate a lot to him.
The heaviest hitters for me are the ones posting for nothing other than helping and giving back to the less experienced. The ones posting for recognition or just to go against the grain, I could do without.
For me, it’s easy to determine who is giving advice because they truly believe in it, or have first hand experience with success. I would advise following them.
- Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes6y
It takes time to be thoughtful with replies. In many cases, those replies get ignored or discounted as some members are not open to feedback or are just looking for confirmation bias. "Heavy hitters" keep replying in spite of this dynamic.
It takes humility to reply to others without being condescending. "Heavy hitters" keep it real and tell people how it is without demeaning others. For the "heavy hitters", it's not about themselves.
"Heavy hitters" are willing to test their dogma by responding to posts...and pivoting their views as they learn from others.
"Heavy hitters" express their opinions on strategies but understand that "my-way-or-the-highway" is not the only way.
"Heavy hitters" have mutual respect for others and are willing to disagree in professional ways. The internet is not a hiding place or verbal dumpster for them.
"Heavy hitters" respect the membership by adding value and sharing applicable experience rather than indirectly soliciting PMs, presenting misleading information, or posting blatant adds that skirt forum rules. "Heavy hitters" realize how damaging this is to their businesses.
"Heavy hitters" recognize that we were all new at one point.
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @Brian Ploszay:
I've been on Bigger Pockets for more than a decade, but only in the last year or two have I been active. I certainly enjoy the format and sharing my opinions. It is a healthier version of social media for me, that concentrates people with my shared interests. I am interested in sharing experiences and not looking to sell anything, raise capital or find deals on this site.
My initial impression of Bigger Pockets that it contained few heavy hitters. Those who post from my market tend to range from beginners to those with modest accomplishments. And at least one poseur! I found the biggest names in real estate investing from my region are not regulars on this site.
That observation shouldn't diminish the value of Bigger Pockets. It is a shared body of knowledge from hands on investors and entrepreneurs. I can learn from someone who only owns 12 rentals. It's all about experience.
Heavy hitters on B.P? Not sure since I don't bother researching people out of my region, but I certainly am aware of the heavy posters on B.P. And I enjoy most of their comments. Kudos to @Jay Hinrichs @Russell Brazil
I think this is a pretty accurate statement about many markets. The local heavy hitters in real estate many markets are not on BP might maybe of heard of it.. etc.. And since they are busy being heavy hitters and not really interested in spending time on social media etc. You just don't see that group represented here.. or they may have had a pod cast on BP but have 50 posts that sort of thing.
- Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Same here. The top 5 I can think of, 4 of them don't even text and certainly aren't online. They are seasoned experts in their niche, all older and mostly retired, have owned RE so long they don't even remember what year they paid it off and wear work clothes. People I hang around with as long as they'll put up with me and my perfect eventual seller.
I have received a lot from BP as well. By reading about taxes from @Steven Hamilton, ownership structure from @Jerry W, exchanges from @Dave Foster, conventional lending from @Chris Mason , underwriting multi return metrics from @Ben Leybovich and commercial cap rates from @Bob Bowling (LOL) title issues from @Tim Gimer, investing/personal finance from @Mike Dymski, etc. When they talk, this grateful reader listens.
- 6yShiloh LundahlPro MemberRental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
Thanks @JD Martin for your mention. I think I have multiple personalities when I post, depending on my mood or irritation level at the time I post.
When I make posts I try to make them thoughtful. I read them after I’m done and I try to correct any spelling errors or grammatical error. Since what I write is basically my appearance to the BP community, I want to look sharp because I know that our brains are designed to make judgements based on the way people look, the way they speak, and the things they do. And because I don’t have the level of credibility that @Jay Hinrichs has, I still need to present myself eloquently.
Sometimes I’m feeling good and I just want to add to a particular thread and give encouragement. Other time I may be very contrarian like @Mary M. in order to prove a point or expand the perspective of the group.
Sometimes I disguise advertisements in my posts if I’m looking to raise money for a deal (by the way, I have a deal - see how I just did that?) or I guess I should say sometimes my advertisements are not that well disguised.
Sometimes I may come across as humble, although most of the time I wouldn’t say that that is a description that people confuse me with. Not often, but sometimes, I will be very critical and come across as insulting when I challenge someone who I think is very incorrect on a particular point and I think that information may be harmful to others. This would include when someone litters advice throughout the forums when they have only done a few deals. I would say that is one of the things that bothers me the most is when someone acts as if they know much more than they do when they are only educated enough to be dangerous. That is what the concept of self deception is all about. The people who really know a lot about a subject tend to recognize how little they really know then they start to see how vast the subject really is. And that could defiantly be said of real estate investing.
When I post, I usually take time to read the other posts first so that if someone else has already said the thing I was thinking, I can just upvote their post and tag them in agreement. I also don’t like to look stupid by asking if they have considered something that they have already talked at length about several times.
My favorite “Heavy Hitters” on BiggerPockets pockets are @Jay Hinrichs, @JD Martin, @Mike Dymski, @Mindy Jensen, @Joe Splitrock, @Jerry W., @Paul Moore, @Brian Burk, @Serge S. and @Brian Gibbons, @Joe Villenvenue, and @Ali Boone. I’d say more but the tagging stopped working so I’ll stop for now.
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @JD Martin:
OK, I finally got around to actually posting like I mean it here (was busy doing a rehab!)
On BP as a "quick and dirty", for people I don't know, I will generally look at post to vote ratio. Especially over 1,000, it usually ends up that the people who are making the most insightful posts tend to even out or outrun their post count. Thus, while voting for a post can be a popularity contest, and it's always possible that any poster might hit "gold" with a post here and there, time and volume tend to even things out.
The other thing is after you've been here long enough - I think I've been an actual member for maybe 5 years and a lurker maybe a couple years besides that - you start to recognize names and remember advise and information they've posted.
Anyway, here's a bunch of my favorites (until BP cuts me off on autolinking):
@Mike Dymski, @Jerry W., @Shiloh Lundahl, @Joe Splitrock, @Jay Hinrichs, @Russell Brazil, @Natalie Kolodij, @Nicole A., @Mike Cumbie, @Dawn Brenengen, @Lucas Hall, @Julie Marquez, @Joshua D., @Bill Gulley, @Joel Owens, @Ryan Murdock, @David Krulac, @Linda Weygant, @Steve Vaughan, @Ali Boone, @Nathan Gesner, @Brian Ellis, @Randy E., @Brian Gibbons, @Jim K., @Jill F., @Joe Villeneuve, @Andrew Syrios, @Roy N., @Jonathan Greene, @Nicole Heasley Beitenman, and a lot of others I'm sure are slipping my mind at the moment.
I don't know if they qualify as "heavy hitters" or not, but they are thoughtful and insightful and I usually learn something from their posts.
JD do you happen to remember the gals name from Central coast CA she was active then quit she was very sharp.
Also was sad to see Rick Harmon leave the site very high level probate investor .
- 6yStephen KeigheryBusiness MemberRental Property Investor · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2018 · 717 posts · 555 votes
My opinion is you aren't a heavy hitter based on what you do on BP @Robert C. You can only be called a heavy hitter based on your actions and results in the market. If you are a heavy hitter on the streets and you contribute on biggerpockets that is great and there are lots of those people here.
Home Buyer Louisiana4.855 Reviews Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
JD do you happen to remember the gals name from Central coast CA she was active then quit she was very sharp.
Jay, perhaps you’re thinking of K Marie Poe?
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @Kyle J.:
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
JD do you happen to remember the gals name from Central coast CA she was active then quit she was very sharp.
Jay, perhaps you’re thinking of K Marie Poe?
YUP she was/is wicked Smart and really knows the business.. Not sure what happened.. I seem to remember some rift and she left.
- Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Originally posted by @Kyle J.:
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
JD do you happen to remember the gals name from Central coast CA she was active then quit she was very sharp.
Jay, perhaps you’re thinking of K Marie Poe?
YUP she was/is wicked Smart and really knows the business.. Not sure what happened.. I seem to remember some rift and she left.
Marie was having some legal trouble, with a tenant I think, and deleted her account to remove the thousands of things she had posted here. She was a good contributor.
District Invest Group545 Reviews - 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Originally posted by @Kyle J.:
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
JD do you happen to remember the gals name from Central coast CA she was active then quit she was very sharp.
Jay, perhaps you’re thinking of K Marie Poe?
YUP she was/is wicked Smart and really knows the business.. Not sure what happened.. I seem to remember some rift and she left.
Marie was having some legal trouble, with a tenant I think, and deleted her account to remove the thousands of things she had posted here. She was a good contributor.
OH shoot wish i would have got her contact info at the time..
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @Mike Dymski:
It takes time to be thoughtful with replies. In many cases, those replies get ignored or discounted as some members are not open to feedback or are just looking for confirmation bias. "Heavy hitters" keep replying in spite of this dynamic.
It takes humility to reply to others without being condescending. "Heavy hitters" keep it real and tell people how it is without demeaning others. For the "heavy hitters", it's not about themselves.
"Heavy hitters" are willing to test their dogma by responding to posts...and pivoting their views as they learn from others.
"Heavy hitters" express their opinions on strategies but understand that "my-way-or-the-highway" is not the only way.
"Heavy hitters" have mutual respect for others and are willing to disagree in professional ways. The internet is not a hiding place or verbal dumpster for them.
"Heavy hitters" respect the membership by adding value and sharing applicable experience rather than indirectly soliciting PMs, presenting misleading information, or posting blatant adds that skirt forum rules. "Heavy hitters" realize how damaging this is to their businesses.
"Heavy hitters" recognize that we were all new at one point.
To me I think Of Mike as EF Hutton when he speaks people listen and just the facts :)
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @JD Martin:
OK, I finally got around to actually posting like I mean it here (was busy doing a rehab!)
On BP as a "quick and dirty", for people I don't know, I will generally look at post to vote ratio. Especially over 1,000, it usually ends up that the people who are making the most insightful posts tend to even out or outrun their post count. Thus, while voting for a post can be a popularity contest, and it's always possible that any poster might hit "gold" with a post here and there, time and volume tend to even things out.
The other thing is after you've been here long enough - I think I've been an actual member for maybe 5 years and a lurker maybe a couple years besides that - you start to recognize names and remember advise and information they've posted.
Anyway, here's a bunch of my favorites (until BP cuts me off on autolinking):
@Mike Dymski, @Jerry W., @Shiloh Lundahl, @Joe Splitrock, @Jay Hinrichs, @Russell Brazil, @Natalie Kolodij, @Nicole A., @Mike Cumbie, @Dawn Brenengen, @Lucas Hall, @Julie Marquez, @Joshua D., @Bill Gulley, @Joel Owens, @Ryan Murdock, @David Krulac, @Linda Weygant, @Steve Vaughan, @Ali Boone, @Nathan Gesner, @Brian Ellis, @Randy E., @Brian Gibbons, @Jim K., @Jill F., @Joe Villeneuve, @Andrew Syrios, @Roy N., @Jonathan Greene, @Nicole Heasley Beitenman, and a lot of others I'm sure are slipping my mind at the moment.
I don't know if they qualify as "heavy hitters" or not, but they are thoughtful and insightful and I usually learn something from their posts.
JD since you tagged all these folks I will just tag along :)
I was thinking about this on my walk this morning.. in a lot of ways on BP you have to categorize the heavy hitters by industry.
What I mean is you have many that their main focus is simply to be a landlord and live off of rents I would say that could even be a majority of hte members on this site... And they are very good at tenant law figuring out who to rent to how to keep their properties going etc.. but may not be that experienced transaction-ally as its really not needed they just need to know the Escrow officer or closing attorney will take care of the details for them.. and then they are more attuned to borrowing for the business.
Then you have transactional folks who also invest I would put these as RE Brokers ( REsi and Commerical) Flippers,Wholesalers and Builders etc.. Where holding rentals is just a by product and a place to put profits.
Then you have financial folks , Lenders, Note buyers, HML , etc who may or may not play in the landlord game..
Then you have Legal and Taxation folks again may or may not be heavily invested in income properties.
Lastly you have the promoters who are actively selling product to Investors mainly out of area and that is a very big niche market. And a sub makret of that is the sales organizations that represent the turn key operator in a certain market. And I suppose this could include Syndication folks.
- Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2015 · 177 posts · 71 votes6y
I wouldn't think that posting on BP would make someone a heavy hitter... it really comes down to their track record & what they are doing in the business. A heavy hitter to one person, is just a peer to another.
For example if someone is closing 75-100 deals a year or buying a couple apartment buildings, that feels like a heavy hitter. But to a hedge fund manager, closing a 1000 we're in different realms!
- 6yJonathan GreeneBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Madison, NJ · Member since 2016 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Thanks for the tag @JD Martin. Heavy hitter was best defined by J.D. as an analysis of posting and response and upvotes. I think it's about when your posts resonate on here and how you conduct business off of here. There are people who post a lot, but everything is a one-way route to them. The value I get on BP, as a reader, is from people who answer the questions to help someone, even when it's not something they want to hear. I tend to ruffle feathers here and there, especially with newer investors, because I think the advice they get is horrendous and they end up in this race to invest more and more. Right about now, all those strategies are killing them (and some of us). I just try to lead with honesty and also try to post in a way that would, if it had any effect, make REI a more trustworthy industry. I get value from so many of the people mentioned in this thread and also a lot of laughs. Too many people take every forum post too seriously, sometimes we just need some levity when our flip goes off the rails.
Originally posted by @William Walker:
I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on vote count. We all see when a popular person on here posts the same thing as someone above them, yet gets 10 votes to the other persons 2. That’s just a fact jack. Welcome to social media.
I may be guilty of that (voting for the heavy hitter more often)....maybe I just am being appreciative that someone with so much experience is taking the time to offer their wisdom. But there are unintended consequences, for example someone might assume they are always right, which is dangerous.
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