Today I was reminded that not everyone knows what a blog is. I was submitting this website to several search engines. One search engine initially rejected my submission because the website description contained the word “blog” which its dictionary didn’t recognize. So here’s a definition of a blog and a little bit about what I’m trying to do with this one.
Google “blog” and “definition” and the first definition returned is “Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the web site.” Wouldn’t you know it, the definition is from bytowninternet.com, a Canadian web development company. On Monday, I Googled a geometry formula and the first search result also came from a Canadian website (see Google & My Geometry Refresher). Hmm…Canadians taking over the web? Let’s keep an eye on this! 
On this blog, I hope to provide helpful information for people looking to buy or sell a home in the Chicago area. If you haven’t bought a home before, it’s easy to make costly mistakes. Even if you have bought and even sold before, laws change, markets change and how things worked in a former state of residence may be very different from how things work in Illinois. I recently worked with clients very experienced in buying and selling real estate in Kentucky and Tennessee who gave me puzzled looks when I mentioned their need to get a real estate attorney.
Real estate can be a bit dry, so I’m attempting to interject some humor whenever I can. In a former life, I did stand-up comedy as a hobby, so I know that humor is a very personal thing. Trying to deliver it through the written word only is even tougher, so if you don’t like my attempts at humor, just ignore them. My stand-up audiences often did!
One thing the definition above didn’t mention is that blogs usually provide a means for readers to comment on posts. I would love to get your comments! I do moderate them, since there are lots of spammers out there trying to use blog comments as a means of creating links back to their unrelated websites. Sorry guys, not gonna happen!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
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Fran – Aha! That’s where that great sense of humor comes in! You’ve clearly leveraged your many talents in creative ways.
I think the personalized aspect of blogs is what makes them a great busienss tool – for the blogger (you) and for the blog’s readers (us). In Daniel Pink’s scintillating new book A Whole New Mind he postulates that we are moving into “The Conceptual Age” (next stage after the Information AGe – gee, that was a quick one!). He says that while information and left-brained analytical skills (your geometry ~ smile ~ and IT and detail skills) are still important, the differentiator is the human, creative aspect. You are clearly showing both and the blog, with your humor and more about YOU is a key tool. Way to go!
Diane Scholten/Barrington Home Loans/Coach/Writer/fellow Conceptual Age entrepeneur!