Warning - Unethical Professionals DELETED here in Clearwater, Florida

I would have done the same thing.  I have hit the delete button only a couple of times.  Just remember this is your blog post.

Cyndee I would have done the same thing. You certainly don't want anything thinking you endorse this person because he is making it seem like you are friends. I think after receiving 1575 comments and deleting only one shows us you are not trigger happy. Writing this post shows that you really thought about it as well. There is a way to block email from an associate but I don't know about blocking them from your posts. There should be a way if there isn't.

Cyndee, I do hope this person gets the hint because there is nothing worst than pretending when there is a long dark history pending between two people.

For now I would suggest stay guarded and delete the unwanted and unwelcome comments.

Randy - thank you for responding - with your experience and your ethics - I'm reassured that we're on the same side of this issue! 

Thats interesting.  I would have to say that it wasn't the fact that he commented on your post that angered you, but rather the fact that he made it seem that you guys were cool with one another.  Do I have that right?  If that was the case and he was indeed attempting to make it seem that way, then you did the right thing.

If it was simply that he had the audacity to comment on your post after he knew that you were pissed at him, then I'd say that it wasn't right for you to delete his comment, especially if it contributed to the conversation.

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc. 

Ashley - thanks for weighing in and your kind words - I always enjoy YOUR visits :-) 

Bottom line...it's YOUR blog. Such is the beauty of the delete button!

Mana - I know you and I both work by referrals - and that means people have to be comfortable sending those they care about to someone they trust - which is all earned. In my opinon I have met some that talk the talk - but fall short on walking ithe walk.   

Rich - thank you - I respect your opinon and expereince here and yes, I found for the fisrt time that there was a purpose to the DELETE button.

Bob, I'm had a long reponse to you that just got deleted :-( - Gotta run an errand will thry to respond again later. Thanks for giving me something to think about.  

Cyndee, That is awful. Someone like that is going to spread their unethical or bad reputation around town or county and soon no one will want to work with them.

I always thought the delete button was for me to delete the posts I wrote that I might have second thoughts about. Using it on commenters sounds good at times.

Cyndee -I have never deleted a comment, either, and believe I would have done the same. I can only relate to the situation as if someone did this to me. I can think of a few I would not want to be associated with.

Cyndee, I try NOT to delete comments but I have and I didn't like doing it. It just needed to be done. It is your blog and if it makes you uncomfortable then delete away. Hopefully they will get the message. Mine didn't. I think I have deleted about 3 or 4 out of almost 10,000 received.

Jim - just think you have more power than you think! Now for part 2 of the question - have to see if we get any new insights. 

Paula, it wasn't something I did lightly but I felt that strongly about this person. 

Cyndee; I have held my breath on this on - thus far none of those people from my area area AR members but I know the day will come - but most likely they will be too lazy to keep up with the community - I suspect your "Stalker" found you on the web with this power - followed you in - and will find it is not the easy way to google juice and become much less involved - I would do as you did - not respond in any other way and wait for the laziness to set in. :o)

Broker Bryant - I felt like "gun toting" TLW - Make My Day (LOL) - I feel the same - however, that doesn't bode well that yours didn't get the message - because you're a pretty clear communicator. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Thesa - great thoughts - I agree, most underestimate the discipline, work and commitment this takes - Hey don't those remind you of traits the BEST real estate professionals have - looks like we're on to something here :-) Thanks for stopping by as always! 

Cyndee,

I'm in agreement with the others as to your action, it's you're blog as many have stated. All too often as Realtors we get lumped together and it's a matter of perception to the consumers. As BB said if it makes you feel uncomfortable, it's up to you.

I deleted one post myself and it was a feature. I had multiple contacts from someone who was not identified and the subject made my feel very uneasy. Although I did not find out until after the fact, that all who commented also lost their points, something I was sorry about. Yet I still felt it was the correct thing to do in that situation.

You go girl, your blog, your words, your friends. Hey, we all know you and love you and respect you here. I'm sure see/he is going to read this so better call TLW !

Bleep.

Some folks are just plain oblivious to civil discourse, ethical business practices.  They believe that brazen behavior is acceptable. It isn't.  Just delete them, ignore them in the future and put it behind you. 

The DELETE BUTTON is somewhat like a FLEE SPRAY for dogs!  Don't lie with them or you're inviting them into your bed.  YOU GO GIRL!!  Being ethical is one of my favorite things about YOU!!  :-) 

PS...You also just gave "someone else" permission to do the same if they didn't realize it was "okay." 

PSS...Jack, YOU GO MAN!!!  LOL

I think you did the right thing.  It's sad that it happened though. Good Luck!

Lynda - Wow - can't imagine having to delete the whole post - I have found that the people who visit and comment regularly are like minded people - and you know what I mean about having boundaries - we both operate our businesses this way - I believe I am tolerant except when it comes to ethics and character - that's black and white for me!    

Missy - thanks for being supportive - i appreciate it and know you've built your success on being an honest, ethical real estate agent in Ann Arbor - it think that's why we "connect" :-)

Lenn - that's the really scary part - when you finally are forced to say it to their face and they still don't get it - that's chutzpah beyond reason to me! Thanks for your support!

I've never had to do this, but I am sure I would have done the same.  No riding on coattails allowed!

Susie - you're "tell it like it is" style is what I LOVE about you! You're one of my favorite real estate agents to refer to in Brandon, Florida - I can honestly say your character and integrity are the tops! Always enjoy hearing from you...   

Cyndee- as an individual that has been "deleted", let me say this:  if the comment was made, and you declined to respond but it just bothered you to have this person on your post, that is of course your prerogative.  If, however, you responded in a way that begged for additional response, or deleted because the response countered your own opinion, delete away, but allow consideration for the reality that the comment may, in fact, have supporters- and the result of the deletion was simply to shortchange the reader of opposing viewpoints.  Sounds like this was just a matter of someone making a friendly comment- if it offended you, I agree, it's your post.  And trust me- being deleted is not as annoying as it can be telling.  I prefer to let comments be what they are- for the reader to decide, not the blogger.  Otherwise, what is the point of a comment?  Good luck, and sorry it was someone with whom you would prefer not interfere with your AR experience.  Small world!

Stephanie - thank you for your kind words and your visit - I absolutely love your blog and your straight forward style - loking forward to reading more and hope to see you back soon! :-) 

You definitely did the right thing---nothing like that has happened to me but I wouldn't hesitate to go and delete the message. 

Maggie - I hope you NEVER experience it - it's not a good feeling and not something I enjoy - you know I believe in free speech but as I said before - I have boundaries and some people will push you to the limit and force you to send more and more overt messages.

Cyndee.... as many have stated, it's your blog. I have learned to keep a few comments up if they are negative. I actually did a person a favor by deleting one of their comments. But in regards to the comment that you received, I think you bring up a valid point. I would have deleted it also. As you mentioned, this person now looks like your buddy, one of which seems to have a bad name in the business. Why be associated with them.

Laurie - thank you for your comment and let me just be clear - by using an example -

If a business associate was house sitting for you while on vacation and they stole everything in your house and you returned and said I don't want anything to do with you EVER and they had the chutzpah to come to your Christmas open house for clients (or then comment on your blog like "you were even friends")- would you feel violated?

This is the best analogy I can give without getting into confidentional info. Yes I was offended that this person portrayed themself here as someone I knew & like - which I felt reflected on MY GOOD NAME.

I cared less what that person wrote and more that they came into my personal space after I felt violated professionally in past experiences - what I learned is some "peoples" comments are not welcome no matter what.  There are over 33,000 other blogs to comment on - move on!!!

I am inclined to beleive I can handle "different opinions" without deleting them - as long as they don't contain unprofessional personal attacks.     

The delete key is absolutely your friend.  Fire at will. 

Just not at me.  I'm nice as you can be without a prescription. :) 

Dear Moderator that FEATURED this post - thank you! I appreciate the positive feedback - and hopefully it's a discussion that will help others, as we all explore this "social network" as it grows at a  very fast pace. 

Cyndee...I agree with the majority!  Its your blog, you decide what stays and what goes.  I liked Susie's Flea spray analogy!  :P

Cyndee- WHAT?  Yup.  That would do it for me, because if I didn't delete, I'd be all over the person in capital letters, facing a lawsuit.  I'm amazed that this person appeared- you absolutely did not only the right thing, but the ONLY thing.  Thanks for the details.  How are they even licensed?  That's a whole 'nother blog!

Ditto everything Jeff just said. Google is too good at picking up AR and our names can be associated with those we would rather not have our name connected with. I'll be checking back to see if the blocking feature can be added for comments, similar to the blocking feature we can add for associates.

A comment blocking feature  would be  nice.  I have one on my TypePad blog and use it frequently.  Of course there I get mostly spammer scum, not the unfriendly types Cyndee is speaking of...

kk 

I think the previous comments pretty much cover my sentiments as well. It's your blog, delete and edit as you see fit. It's too bad it has to even come to this.

Diane- thank you for weighing in on the side of support for my actions - I appreciate it and hope to see you back soon.  

Jeff, Glad to hear your feedback since I know you've been involved in AR for longer than me - thanks for your thoughful comments and I always enjoy your input here :-)   

Laurie - I'm glad the analogy expressed my "feelings" better about what happened - glad I could clear it up because if it came across differently to you then others probably thought what you did the first time. Thanks for hanging in there and having a dialogue with me! 

John - hmmm well you say you're nice - you'll have to visit more often so I can really find out (HaHa) - really I'm nice too - we'll get along great :-)

Kim - is Susie not the perfect wordsmith! I should have run it by her before I posted but she's also a baseball crazy Mom and was at her last game tonight :-) She's a great friend to have in your corner!!

Elaine - just another reason you're on my "wise active rain members" list of assoicates :-) Thanks for letting me know I'm not crazy or alone. Looking forward to a "blocking" feature - that would be great! 

KK - that would be a great feature - that's exactly what I thought - do you know how to block someone from associating to you - this person did that as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    

Doug - thanks for the vote of confidence - I guess it's something most of us don't think about until it happens to you. Glad to know others who value their reputation - agree with what I did.

I am in agreement with deleting comments from people who you would never do business with again. How do you get rid of someone who like this that has sent you a message that they have added you as an associate - YUK!

Cyndee -  I really don't know what I would have done - my first gut reaction would be to expose them - but maybe the delete key is better - a blocking feature would certainly solve the problem.

It's a tough situation, and one that none of us can tell you how to handle. You have to go with your heart and just check your motives and the validity of your feelings for this person. As long as those things are in line with your action, then you're justified.

My vote: It is YOUR blog!!!

Plain & simple.

Hmmmm...interesting situation.

I don't have an answer but man, do I ever want to know who it is!!!

Can I use my past experience and do some digging? I may not be able to sleep tonight?

UGh.....

Jack - I've posted HOW TO BLOCK SOMEONE FROM ASSOCIATING now in the blog - thanks to Elaine Reese for helping us out!  

Cyndee...I have the utmost respect for you and Jack and know several AR members that feel the same as I do.  This member must have really hurt you or one of your clients and you have every right to block them in every way you can.  We can forgive someone and that is what God wants us to do, but we don't have to associate with them and I agree totally with you to not associate with them.  Take care my friend.

Ines - that's my first reaction too - but it can have far reaching unintended consequences - when I was younger and more impulsive (right Jack) you would already have had name, rank and serial number - now I just drink of glass of wine and think what would TLW do? (LOL) Now I don't own a gun but I think this blog will hopefully hit this person straight between the eyes and they'll disappear from my blogspace!  Maybe she'll give me some more tip's in 2 weeks at the AR Birthday party in Orlando 

Cyndee,

You have already expressed your opinion to this person and it's disappointing that he didn't listen. You are free to do business with anyone you choose to, period. That goes for blogging, too. Remove him and block him.

Tom - thanks for weighing in with your support - I feel the same!!!

Beth - you're gonna get me in trouble (LOL) Glad you took time to comment and ponder which of the 33510 other members it could be ( I took you and me out since we know it's not us - HaHa!) Keep visiting - enjoy you! :-)

Geroge - thank you for knowing that I think it's drastic - but some people take drastic meaures to get it evidently. Appreciate your suppprt!

Esko - thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment - I look forward to getting better acquainted and hope to see you visit again soon.  

Cyndee,

I agree with pretty much everyone else that deleting comments is something you have a right to do as the one writing the blog.  You have to be careful who you associate with to make sure your name stays clean.  

The only comments I have had to delete were a bunch of silly comments some kids made on a blog about a local park.  I felt a little bad hitting the delete key but it was the right thing to do at the time.

I hope you don't have to spray your lovely blog with off to keep the pests away!

Cyndee, unfortunately right now I don't have time to read all the comments, but I thought the suggestion you have made in your blog for removing someone was only for associates. I didn't think this would automatically remove their comments from your blogs!!!!!

Rita - OMG - you are priceless - I will keep the spray handy - thanks for the Deep Rain Pest Control (LOL) thank you for the perfect response - wait until Susie see this!!! 

Mana - yes, right now you can only block them from assoicating - no way to block comments yet - I hope they'll consider adding that feature.

Cyndee: the person must add you as an Associate before you can block them. All that really does is eliminate their photo from your list of Associates. Definitely, not the same thing as we're wanting to do by blocking their comments.

Elaine, I agree - but this person did Associate with me so it was great to be able to block them - next we'll work on asking the AR gods to add the option to block a comment. - did you see I added your tips to the blog and gave you credit for being a great resource here con AR! Thanks again. :-)

Cyndee you did the right thing.  Making the right choice means not taking the path of least resistance.  I can tell by your words that it was difficult for you but in the end you had the courage to stand for what you know is right; your willingness to take such action is what separates you from the crowd.  That is why your clients appreciate you.   I call it integrity.

WooHoo!!!  WooHoo!!!  Another FEATURE for You That's Who!!!  Congrats!!

PS...He's lucky you did NOT expose him!!  I wonder if he'll post anything in rebuttal now (as arrogant as he seems to be) and tell on himself instead!  hahahaha

Cyndee...CONGRATS! on this FEATURE!  You go Girl! 

Ditto ditto and then ditto ditto... Rock on sister!  You had the guts to put this topic out there and look at the overwhelming feedback!  You receive thousands and thousands of comments on your posts, the fact that you deleted one, and for good reason, says a lot about your integrity.

I guess you would have to KNOW the person she was talking about, I do, and KNOW the history, I DO... and all can say is CYNDEE IS 100% IN THE RIGHT, for posting this blog and DELETING that comment! 

A.R. is a BIG enough community to meet new people and make new friends, if you are CHANGED new person, do a great job with those NEW people and LEAVE THE BAD BLOOD ALONE!!!!!!

Cyndee--Don't feel bad for one second. As AR gets more and more members, this could become more of a problem. You are right not to be associated with someone that you feel is not professional. Thank you for explaining clearly and concisely how we can get rid of unwanted commenters on our blogs too! Excellent post!!

A troubling situation for sure, Cyndee. Can't say I would have done anything differently. But it is a public forum and one has to expect that on rare occasions things will happen that raise the hackles.  Some folks just don;t get the message, do they?

Jeff

I TOO HAVE DELETED BEFORE.  I am not proud of it, however, my hand was forced.

I TOO HAVE DELETED BEFORE.  I am not proud of it, however, my hand was forced.

I would post this in the AR haves and wants section for blocking members!

Darrel - I know we think alike - appreciate your support! 

Susie - you know it!!!!! I think the person should have gotten the message by now.

Cyndee, I can't imagine why someone would want to associate with someone they did that too! Thats a little too much.

We all have the right to delete a comment. And everyone does it if they have to. Some abuse the right, but thats life. I find it humourous when I am reading a string of comments and there's a few comments about comments, but wheres the comment?

Leah - thanks for your support;

Katrina - you confuse me girl - but thanks for the comments;

Teri - I really appreciate your feedback and support - I respect your writing and enjoy your visits :-)

Jeff - thanks for the support from someone who's seen more than a few comments fly around this network :-)

Joe - sounds like you're someone who can definitely relate to MY situation

Renee - where is that place to post located? I did email them my request. 

Karen H. Thank you for your kind words - it's been a while since we've chatted - thanks for stopping by - how's life in Rhode Island this time of year :-)?

Cyndee,

I'd have done the same thing. It's not what they said; at least as I interpret your original post. It's that you simply want to have no association with this person. It takes courage to do, because now this person, whil ethey may have suspected before, now nknows beyond a doubt that they are not welcome on your doorstep.. That's a hard thing to do for someone who is naturally inclined to be fundamentally a nice person.

Last thought: If you can't say something nice, then you're welcome at my blog any time... :)

Cyndee

I applaud your courage for writing this post.  There are 2 members of AR that have repeatedly left nasty and unwarranted comments to my posts.  I simply delete their comments now without even bothering to read them. 

Tom - I'm just thrilled you came to see me - that alone was worth the post :-) - I appreciate your knowing that it's because I care it was so hard for me to do - but sometime people actually take advantage of that knowing most people will just let them insinuate themselves on them. Glad to have you in my corner :-)       

Ed - Thank you for your kind words. That's exactly the same for me. Glad to know I'm not alone

Hi Cyndee, not sure how I missed this post... Here're my 2 cents:

-  your blog, delete the comment...

- write a rant post - you did - and move on...

- stop wasting your energy on this... NOT WORTH IT!

I hate people like this guy... they just like to create misery.  I am sure that he is not as stupid as he pretends to be by writing a friendly comment.  He just wanted to jerk your chain. UGH!!!

Mott: thanks for your support - Where's waterway realty?

Irina - I've already move on now that Susie and Tina armed me with Primo Pest Control (LOL) Thanks for visiting!

Look at that shiny star - I am proud of you - chnaging a negative into a learning experience for everyone

I found this!  Hey...i have used the delete button a few times.....and I should have done so for the reasons you stated (very unethical person) and not just because of only the snide remarks this person was making. I should not even have responded!  I do love that delete button. Like Randy said...my blog...my right.

FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!    FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!    FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!  FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!     FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!     FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!     FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!     FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!     FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!!    FEATURE-FEATURE-FEATURE!! 

YOU GO GIRL!!!  You Rock and Roll on AR!!  I'm lucky to have YOU on my team for referring business to Clearwater,FL!!  Keep it up!!

Cyndee - you did the right thing.  Our professional image is so important.  Especially online when the consumer is reading and may not know us personally yet.  Stay proactive!

Thesa - thank you for your support - I agree, I think a lot of people realized the delete key can be a useful tool when used correctly. 

Susie: You said it ALL - so glad you're on my team for referring to Brandon and Valrico - you're the bomb!

Sally - a agree - it's not even the dialogue - I don't want them here - end of discussion, don't you love Rita's Pest Contrl she gave me - hope I don't have to use it again! Thanks for stopping by

Tina - thank you for your support - it means alot from someone I respect like you!

That was soooo nice of her!  I am just wondering why people even bother coming here and "USING" AR when they are so deceitful and dishonest.  Why?

Sally, You and me both sister - the good news is we now have Pest Control - wonder if we'll have to upgrade to Rodent Control.

Hope they'll just get the message. As to why? Aren't people like this always looking for the low hanging fruit - the easy deal - HaHa - imagine when the realize how much w-o-r-k this is - while I enjoy it and getting to know people like you - I think it's hard to make it  payoff if you don't have the right values and character - Not buying "the emperors new clothes" :-) Have a great day.  

Good for you for sticking to your guns on this one! I think you did the right thing and I would have done the same!

Great post  - Thanks for the info.

Yvonne - where have you been, I've missed you - I even had to check to make sure I had you on my subscribed to list since I've been missing you - it's so much better with your visits - hope to see you back more!!! 

Cyndy - like the spelling of your name :-) - thanks for the positive feedback. Hope to see you back again soon -us "Cindy's " have to stick together...

I wish there was a block button here. I'm a You Tube junkie and they give us that ability. Thank God!

Lisa - I agree and thank you for adding me as an associate! Looking forward to getting to know you too! 

I do agree. You did the right thing. You have to do everything possible to distance  yourself from questionable folks.

3,300 Comments..That's a lot of commenting.

Every real estate community has highly skilled professionals and those less than skilled.  Thanks for the tip about blocking someone on your blog.

Think how different life would be with a built in delete button for every situation?!?  Sounds like you made good use of it here, good job!

Unfortunately - this individual will always be able to post anonymous comments when not being logged in - you may have to use the delete button a few more times!

Dan, Ann, Cheryl, Tracy, Dawn, Tony - thanks for your support - Tom Peter's says "You are judged by the company you keep" - that's why we do have to be aware so we're not thought guilty by association.   

I would have done the same thing.  Also thanks for the information on how to block them.  I don't have anyone yet I need to do that to but you never know what will happen in the future.  At least now I know how to do it if I ever need to.

Thanks for helping me find this Cyndee.  I am having trouble with someone in my market commenting who was asked not to comment on my blog months ago.  Or told not to comment after he left a bunch of inappropriate comments on an entry in May.

Monday he left a comment on an entry he says he did not read.  To comment that you are offended by an entry you did not read is harassment.  Move along.  Read something else.  To comment on a blog of someone in your market who told you months ago to stop commenting is harassment.  He's aghast that I deleted his comment and that I called and told him to stop commenting on my blog.  He's blogged about that, so it is on the record.

ActiveRain is going to have to give us a way to block people like that. 

Has the person in your market left your blog alone?