Courtney,
I'm glad you've asked this question. I've never received a "thumbs down" before...until all the RE post. I wonder if it's a competitive thing? If so, that would really disappoint me.

As a long time Trulia member, I've always treated the community in the same spirit as the blogging community which is sharing and promoting each other. It's all about win win--not ripping each other apart.

Maybe it's people new to RE who are not familiar w/blogging?

I'm giving you a thumbs up for being bold enough to ask the question.

You guys are awesome! I expected a bunch of thumbs downs for even asking and I agree with you, Rob - I think over time, the cards will all fall where they may! I haven't been on here too long myself, but I have found myself very disenchanted with all of the "active solicitations" as Samuel puts it as of late.

Bottom line: This is a place to share knowledge with each other and with the public - not to openly solicit for business. Tip to newer members: If you want to sell yourself here, then answer questions intelligently and the rest will follow.

Thank you ARDELL and Rhonda - I always enjoy your insightful points of view. Samuel & Larry - I appreciate your input on the matter, and Rob, you obviously get it. Thanks for the support, all.

One way to look at it, is if someone has given you a thumbs down, at least you know they read your post. (I think I'll give my self the thumbs down for this response)

Bizzarre indeed, but it ultimately doesn't matter. It's the content that matters. If one of us has a great response ...and it has a bunch of thumb's down .. i'm sure the reader could care less. The weirdest thing about that question where we all got boo'ed off the stage was...we were JUST ANSWERING THE QUESTION! So... to whomever is getting thumbs down happy, ... get with the program. Be a part of the solution.

Courtney, I wouldn't worry too much about the TU / TD method used here on Trulia. There doesn't seem to be any real rhyme or reason to it.

Sometimes Thumbs Down appear due to direct solicitation (call me, and we'll chat)
Sometimes Thumbs Down appear due to perceived "bad advice" (Realtors should never use a lock box)
Sometimes they're due to really bad advice (standard commission is always 6%!)
Now and then it's due to rude comments, or bad spelling
and sometimes it's just 'cause they feel like it (hey! I was gonna say that first!)

and occasionally it's due to someone who disagrees with you, but doesn't have the time (or cojones) to take a moment and state their opinion. You just never know.

I wish that Trulia would make the distinction between a civilian and a Realtor TU / TD. Often we say something that we know the general Realtor population won't agree with, but the public will... or vice versa. It'd be nice to know where they're coming from... and even nicer if there was a way to indicate what it was for... maybe a pop-up box that allowed you to say Good Answer! Bad Answer! Right On! What were you thinking?... that kind of thing.. .that the poster could then access and see why s/he received that Thumb, instead of the current "Drive-by-Thumbing" method.

Courtney,

I agree with you. My suspicion is that there are a lot of new members who are checking out the site for the first time recently. I think that over time there will emerge a core few who contribute regularly and the thumbs down phenomenon will decline. I for one really appreciate the contributions of the "regulars". I have been a member for only a few weeks and am already learning a lot from each of you. So thanks and keep up the good work. You are a valuable contributor and I appreciate your input.

Courtney sorry to hear about the thumbs down. I have not been on as long as yourself but, I do agree with some of the other answers. It does seem that with some of the new postings the agents do not even attempt to answer the question but, simply ask for the business. I consider this site a great service for the public and I do not like the fact that it sometimes it is like a shark feeding frenzy. So yes I give you a thumbs up also.

I agree...my biggest frustration has also been that now the forums often turn into just active solicitations rather than helpful advice...the long term posters have stayed consistent but many of the great responses are getting lost in the mix. I find myself lurking much more often than actually actively participating in posts.

Pretty odd, and I agree, all of a sudden as well. It's a shame.

Courtney....

I tend to agree. It seems as if the TD bandid (s) are striking again. Many, many months ago we had one that struck on the weekend and TD everyone and especially some.

It also appears many of the old timers are not posting as much. I am not sure if they lost interest or if our business has just picked up.

I thought your question was well stated and to the point. Bet I get TD for this

Try going counter to a Realtor™ and saying it's "not a good time to buy." Then, you'll really see the thumbs-down flying.

Courtney,
Can we all just agree that the TU feature sucks!! I really don't even look at it anymore. I really don't care. I write my reponses as I see fit and if some schmuck out their gives me a TU or a TD who really gives a rat's Ass!

We have all kinds of thumbs down here in the Miami Area - maybe it's a territorial thing - it is a shame and I have questioned the rating system here as well.

I don't care for tiny little dogs who yip and that is how I, personally, determine my TD. KIDDING!

I'm thinking the thumbs up and down is not as good as making someone comment as to WHY they do or don't like someone else's coment. It's more like a "cheap shot" than an actual response if they don't have to explain WHY they pointed the thumb up or down.

John - go against them on ANYTHING and you'll see it come out quick.
lol

Even on this silly question, there are a lot of thumbs downs here... pretty crazy!

Thanks for all the answers! You guys are great - I am thinking that maybe the kids are out for Spring Break and messing with us :)

I think it's a great idea !!!! Thumbs up from me :)

I just gave you a thumbs up.

I didn't even know the TU feature existed until I read your post!

I have noticed that some personalities find it easier to put down another person's efforts, than to help solve a problem or create a new solution.

There's always someone who will say that someone else isn't good enough, or doesn't try hard enough. Just always concentrate on being your best and doing your best. The people who really count will notice you and appreciate your actions.

Hi Julie....

Sorry to tell you that my little pupp was people socialized at 7 1/2 weeks. She became the office mascot and motivating factor to our agents. She never learned to yap and bark. ok unless it is mr. squirrel.

Can you tell I am a sensitive mom. She is a cute (IMHO) little yorkie. She was names after Candice Bergan, murphy brown. ;)

Some people, I'm beginning to think, just give a TD when they don't like someone.

LOL, I'm new here and I've already accrued my share of thumbs downs as well. I ignore it--Whomever gives me a thumbs down is never going to be a client anyway so what the hell do I care what they think?