I have to say that I read through this post and it made me think a bit. Obviously, I would like the business of someone from here who's question I have answered, but perhaps, sometimes I should let that happen a bit more organically. Give the answer and let the poster make their decision (not that I've ever twisted anyone's arm to "pick me"). I try to provide useful answers when I know something or (in the case of some posts I've made) lead someone to someone I know who will have a better answer or would be better suited to help. I have what I consider to be a long way to go to making myself "known" in my area, so every little bit helps, but for me, its not all about self promotion. I actually got into real estate thanks to some bad experiences and then one terrific experience (Dan Bender, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper - San Antonio, TX) that showed me that a Realtor doesn't have to sound like a used car salesman (which had been my experience in the past) and can hang in there when things go wrong (closing was over two months late) and still being caring and compassionate about the consumer (in this case, me and my wife), so I know where many buyers and sellers are coming from when they say things like that. My goal here at Trulia consists of several different parts - to help, to learn, to gain experience, to build relationships (both with people in the industry and buyers and sellers),meet new people (both from a client-view and a networking-view) and to find an outlet for the many thoughts, ideas, and information that I have.

That's my reason for being here.

I do see a lot of the "call me now...I can help" and in the HUGE state that is TX, I see a lot of people just fishing for referral fees off of people, which I find a bit disheartening, because although referral business is great for the financial end of things, I think that the web allows people to pull people away from a qualified Realtor, talk to them first and then send the referral on to the qualified agent, making quick and easy money just by being the first to answer a question (not that I've seen it happen directly, I just feel this is what is possible). I know that in my local area, there are several non-local Realtors answering questions...some are helpful, some I feel are just there to grab the referral or add to their "answers."

I'll be interested to see what you think of what I've had to say...

Matt

With the internet, many Realtors are looking at the short term benefit of posting their direct sales pitch in the middle of what was otherwise a helpful answer. Long term, they need to realize that the new internet is about people and relationships in a more sincere way that has been possible before.

That is what the internet is for. To make relationships. I think it is ok. You can cross the line and be obnoxious. I think it is subjective however.

Trulia encourages Realtors to include in their profile all the pertinent information about their real estate businss and contact information. Howeever, what Trulia does not endorse is to self promote and provide contact information (unless real necessary) on the answers.

I believe that if a client is interested in the answers a Realtor is providing, they will be able to check a Realtor's profile and decide whether they want to contact that specific Realtor. I have been contacted by quite a few home buyers and sellers about my answers durinig the year, so I don't think providing contact info is necessary other than some rare occasions when a poster specifically requested contact information.

Otherwise, all that contact information on answers will just cloud up the answers.

I agree, let the consistent answers speak for themselves.

Sylvia

I am in favor of self promotion in addition to giving valuable answers, The receiver is not going to throw away the gift because the gift box had your promotion on it.

Adam's answer is exactly what Trulia has said the site is for. Sometimes it seems there is a rush of new voices answering and they all make the mistake of thinking it is another way to say "look at me". All it really gets them is a thumbs down.
The experts amongst us will continue to give value because that's what we do and we understand that this forum is about veracity, good discourse and authenticity.

I too, am here to gain knowledge & to share my knowledge with others ... it does SEEM, however, that Trulia allows for self-promotion by allowing us generous use of Profile & Listing links, so that we can increase our business with their marketing tools.
I just spoke with a Trulia blogger & hope to be able to assist him with his property. If we didn't post our contact info, we could not get out of this loop and into a more personal relationship. I only give contact info when it may be of help & not on every Answer which i post. Additionally, i was able to refer a blogger to a colleague who is based closer to her area of need & will be happy if she is satisfied with his services, wihout any gain on my part!

Hi Pam,

I know I am not a Realtor, but I am an Investor always looking for opportunities in Real Estate. What I have found from recently joining Trulia is the same thing your talking about. Some are just out there to only gain business and not knowledge. Although, the reason why I love this website is because of the people who actually care about gaining and giving knowledge in their field of expertise. I have asked a few questions and the people that I want to contact are the ones who help me the most with my concern, not the ones who proclaim they are the best and I should call them to do business. I like what you are saying. This website proves that if we can all work together then we can all do better business. I may have made a few mistakes myself with questions but I am learning what Trulia is all about.... Gaining knowledge and then creating business relationships. Have a good day Pam!

Thank you,
Adam