My REW blog has been flagged for violations

Thanks Morgan. I have always felt that REW represented the best quality blogging platform for the consumer because of the hard work of the REW staff and the individual contributors to this FREE blogging platform that outranks most agents websites and provides them a voice on the internet to be found and heard by consumers. Ensuring high standards does nothing but make it an even better place for consumers to turn when looking for real estate information.

Good move Morgan, Though I think you missed one in my area.

 Looks like I got black listed.  I deleted the posts that "appeared" questionable. Please unflag my account. 

WHAT DID I SY TO BE VIOLATED

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/terms-of-use.html - I think you need to read our terms of use and TURN OFF THE CAPS! You didn't say anything to be violated, you actually pretty much didn't say anything at all - posting one liners and clogging up REW Blogs is not permissable - it ruins the user experience and brings us all down. Post a blog article in which you say HELLO ALL! and that's it, is not cool. Pay specific attention to: What we would like to see at REW Blogs   Useful (unique) information that is relevant to real estate. Commentary, predictions, anecdotes, advice, informed opinions, etc. Decent literacy and presentation! What we do NOT want to see at REW Blogs Opinions that aren't informed or qualified. Without backup and explanation, your opinions are just hot air. The "echo chamber". If you will present information/ideas that you found elsewhere, you should contribute to it. Articles that are chiefly self-promotional with little to no content. Excessive Advertisements Link spam

THANKS CAREY I  HAVE ALOT OF VALUABLE INFO THAT CAN BE USED THANKS FOR THE INFO ON THIS VIOLATION HAVE A GREAT DAY!!   INTERESTED IN A NETWORKING WEBINAR CLICK SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.  At the time above, click this link to join the Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/833862014/106557590    

Another thing you probably shouldn't do is drop your website URL everytime you get a chance. It's also spamming/self promotion... which isn't accepted here.

Considering I didn't violate any of the afformentioned ruled I find it humerous I was flagged.

Polly, your blog was flagged for posting duplicate posts.. as you can see here: http://thepollyblog.blogspot.com/ and here http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/pollybriley/  

Polly, I realize that REW Blogs have a somewhat stricter terms of use than the (Free for all) blogging platforms that Realtors have become accustomed to (Active Rain) for instance. However - please don't take offense our intention is not to meet you with pitch forks - it is to inform you, so that you can choose whether or not to partake in content contributions here. Our TOS is in place to ensure we help our bloggers increase readership (Here at REW Blogs) and to deter the usual spam that plagues lesser community blogging platforms. You are more than welcome here, and even more so welcome to post unique content - however please ensure you have read our rules before getting upset that you were flagged for not following them. Perhaps I should put them in a less obscure place I suppose - I do appologize if you could not find them before you started copy pasting from your other blogs.

Please review my blog so I can get off the "flagged" list. Tahnk you, Lance

Looks like my first and only blog was flagged... could you give some specific advice as to what to do to get off the black list?  I thought I was within TOS and similar to some other blogs I've read.

Sure thing Brian - your blog was flagged for duplicate content - we do not accept content that exists elsewhere on the web, the note says it was a copy paste of content that existed on your website, and other blogs.

Got it - thanks.  I've deleted that blog entry, although I sincerely think it's good info for agents who have clients considering high-rise condos.  I'll try to create a new entry that's unique to REW once the ban is lifted.

Brian, I have lifted your flag - With regards to it being great content, I honestly (And hopefully obviously) have nothing against great content - however, if it already exists online, and it is truly great the original source should not be confused by duplicates with the potential for said duplicates to get credit instead of the original. My goal with REW blogs is to build a solid and strong readership, who realize that the high level of content that exists here at REW cannot be found anywhere else and we cannot do so if we are merely the echo chamber. It's a tougher road and we have less contributors because of it, but those that we do have are quality, and I will take that over quantity any day.

Morgan,   Can you reactivate my blog??

Escape, your blog was flagged for duplicate content, you have multiple entries with the same or similar content, and you also have the same content posted elsewhere online, which is a violation of our TOS.

Still not sure what it was that we did wrong to get flagged.  I deleted the last blog entry that I made thinking that was it.  Please let us know so that we don't get flagged again. 

Morgan - I removed a lot of links from my blog.  Please see if that cleared me.  If not please let me know what I need to do.

Guys, probably the biggest violation of REW Blogs TOS which are located here http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/terms-of-use.html is duplicate content. I can't stand lazy bloggers (Lance you have been flagged many times for this and I am not going to babysit your account any more, I will activate it one more time but if you post duplicate content or link spam again, you will be removed for good)

I mean seriously guys, do you read the TOS before you post? Don't post content on REW Blogs that you just posted somewhere else. Don't link out irrelevantly because you are trying to build your own links (In fact think very long and hard about an outbound link before you place it) is your site truly the most authoritative website for "Reno Nevada" or "Tampa Florida" ? I don't think so - so don't link to your site every time you see those words.

David, sorry you are getting lumped together here with Lance (A repeat offender) but it's 6:30 am, haven't had a coffee and I am admittedly a bit grumpy.

Anyways, read the TOS, abide by it and you will see amazing benefits from posting at REW Blogs

No problem, one question I have is what if we put the same blog info on multiple blogs. By what you are saying is that dup content. We are very happy with our REW blog and the way it is performing and want to make sure  we are abiding  by the rules.

That is the thing Dave, we do not want the "same blog info" on REW Blogs that you have posted elsewhere. There are many blogging platforms that allow this, but we do not. So if you have posted it elsewhere, we do not want to see that same post at REW Blogs. Basically our moderation team does a spot check by taking a significant portion of your post, and placing that in the search engines in quotes - if more results than your REW Blog post come up, they check to verify that it is in fact a duplicate post - if they find another example of that post not on REW Blogs (Or RSS feeds for REW Blogs) your account gets flagged for dup content.

Lance - I understand you just tried to phone into our office for assistance on this, but we do not provide telephone support for non REW customers or those using our free blogging platform, there is "1" way to get support and it is outlined very clearly in the flag notification, and that is to post on the Blogs forum http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs.html

Also note that we instruct you to audit your OWN blogs before taking up valuable staff time and resources requesting re-inclusion. You have not done so

But just so you understand why you continually get flagged here is an example:

Your REW Blog post http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/lancemohr/5181/show/

Also exists here:

activerain.com/blogsview/501267/FishHawk-A-Great-Family

That is a violation - and you do this a lot - it is on YOU to go in and delete any duplicate posts, then you can come back and request re-inclusion (At the forums) please don't fill out our contact forms or phone our offices as we do not provide one on one support for the free blogging platform - as I said, either play by the rules or don't post here - if you don't know the rules, read them, then go in and use YOUR time, not ours to go back and fix your violations.

Morgan,

As of your last post I understand why I was in Violation.  The reason I wrote you 2 months ago and yesterday is because I want to comply with your guidelines.  If I heard back from you 2 months ago it would have saved us both a lot of time a headaches.  I wrote you because I sincerely want to be in compliance.

I will make all the necessary changes and follow back up.

Thank you for your time.

See that's the problem Lance - Had you even bothered to read the instructions in your violation notice, or the TOS that are referenced in this post, or many of my responses in the comments section of this post you would have already known that it was your responsibility to audit your own blogs (I am not going to do it for you, nor are any of my staff) and that duplicate content is one of the main areas we evaluate when assessing such flags.

Instead you ask questions already asked (Which have been answered) and act like we are wasting YOUR time because you didn't get an answer. This is a free service Lance, and honestly my time goes to my family, then my clients who pay for my time specifically, then my clients who pay my company (Hosting, ongoing services etc) then my members (Non clients) who put an honest effort into helping others in true REW community spirit (Instead of just themselves) and if there is ever time (Which there rarely is) AND I am feeling particularly nice that day I even try to help people who are clearly here just to help themselves - but even then, I would hope that they ask nicely. Sorry Lance (And maybe I'm still a little grumpy but I don't think so) you aren't even on my list.

All I / we / the notification asks is that you actually put some effort into evaluating your OWN blog after reading the TOS to affect changes accordingly - you have clearly not done so, or you would have removed the duplicate content - in fact I "think" I remember you being a repeat offender, meaning you removed offending material only to do it again once you were re-instated. Either way, you don't seem to respect / value my time at all (Or the fact that I provide this venue on my dime so that you can hopefully learn and generate more business) - so I would respectfully ask that you discontinue posting on my blog and taking up any more of my time, as if you are unwilling to help others or help yourself, I am unwilling to help you.

Morgan, I have deleted all my blogs on Active Rain and on Worpress.  I should no longer have any duplicate content. 

I did the same.  Deleted all.

David, I do not beleive your account has a flag on it, it appears as though it has already be removed.

Hey, Morgan.

David contacted me via PM and asked me to unflag his blog. I did so after verfitying he was in compliance.

Thanks Nick - Lance, your flag has been removed also.

Two very good lessons learned here...1.  Do not put the same blog on 2 different sites (yes, I should have known this)  -  2.  Don't mess with Morgan if he has not yet had his coffee in the morning.  

By Veritfying (I know I dont need to say this) I meant Verifying

I wasn't aware of the fact that I couldn't use my own information. I have deleted the duplicate information. Interesting .

Your blog has been un-flagged.

Hi Morgan.  I apologize for violating your rules for blogging.  I should have read your terms of service more carefully.  I found your website this morning and though it offered quality information and was relevant to my to some of my own efforts.  I am actively involved in real estate and investments and I enjoy helping others.  I certainly will be more careful before posting information here in the future.  I shall delete my post immediately . Please lift my ban.  Regards.

Hello Morgan/Nick,

Could you please verify if my blog is in complience with your terms? If so could you please remove the flag from it? If not would you specify what's wrong with it?

Thanks,

Elli

Unfortunately, no. I can't unflag your blog. It still has content on it that you have posted elsewhere on the web. This is a direct violation of our TOS. Please remove any posts that are duplicates and make sure your blog is in full compliance.

You can review the rules of blogging here:

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/the-rules-of-blogging.html

Duplicate has been removed from all other sites. Please UNFLAG.

Uhm. You have more than one Duplicate. You're not getting unflagged until you remove ALL posts that violate our TOS.

All that I know of have been removed.

This article: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/bshealy/5824/show/

Is also posted here (and a bunch of other places):

http://copyscape.com/view.php?o=98029&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.streetdirectory.com%2Ftravel_guide%2F1553%2Fbusiness_and_finance%2Funderstanding_real_estate_terminology.html&t=1217603106&s=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestatewebmasters.com%2Fblogs%2Fbshealy%2F5824%2Fshow%2F&w=72&c=

This article: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/bshealy/5811/show/

Is also posted here (and a bunch of other places):

http://copyscape.com/view.php?o=98096&u=http%3A%2F%2Fvc.yourhub.com%2FCamarillo%2FStories%2FPosting-is-no-longer-available%2FGeneral-Business%2FStory%7E401325.aspx&t=1217603169&s=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestatewebmasters.com%2Fblogs%2Fbshealy%2F5811%2Fshow%2F&w=45&c=

And so on and so forth. Do you write your own content? Or do you have someone else do it? Because your blog posts are posted all over the web.

I will get it straightened out. In the meantime, I have removed ALL posts.

Your blog has been unflagged.

Nick do not unflag peoples blogs just because the delete all thier posts - leave them flagged until such time as they show that they can produce their own unique content.

Thanks

Okay. Will do.

Hi.  My blog has been flagged and I am not sure why.  I have checked that I point all my "Big Bear Real Estate Blog Highlights" to my REW blog.  The only "duplicate content" I have is the current market figures which I post on my home page as well as on REW... I keep all the historical numbers in my blog posts... some of my clients like to go back in time and see the data so I keep the old posts up.    All my other posts under Big Bear Real Estate Market Analysis and Research are unique content and my site points to my REW blog.  Please advise.

Sannesm,
I think you answered your own question - nothing that you post on any website (your own or elsewhere) she be posted on REW blogs - that is a clearcut violation.

Also if you read your terms of use (Excerpt posted below) you will see that posts like this realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/sannesm/5864/show/ violate many of these guides.

#1 - it's duplicate content
#2 - It's not qualified or explained
#3 - It's information that exists elsewhere that you have not contributed to
#4 - there is little to no content
#5 - It's pretty much link spam - (There are as many characters in your links as there are characters in your entire post)

Basically it "appears" that you are posting for the sake of posting (Or links) and posts like this most certainly do not contribute any value to the REW blogging community. If you are not going to place any effort into your blogging or provide informed opinions you will not be permitted to benefit from REW Blogs.

What we do NOT want to see at REW Blogs

    * Duplicate content - please do not post something at REW Blogs that already exists elsewhere on the web - it does not matter if you are the author or not.
    * Opinions that aren't informed or qualified. Without backup and explanation, your opinions are just hot air.
    * The "echo chamber". If you will present information/ideas that you found elsewhere, you should contribute to it.
    * Articles that are chiefly self-promotional with little to no content.
    * Excessive Advertisements
    * Link spam

 

Morgan,

Roger that.  In addition to the unique content we had been supplementing with these tables of market stats which provide a picture of the current/historical market here in Big Bear.  In the future, we will reserve those charts for our website and only post our unique research and analysis to our blog.  We will remove the stats chart posts immediately.  Please unflag our account.

Thanks, Mike

How long does it usually take to get unflagged?  We are preparing a new piece of research and would like to get things cleared up first. 

Thanks, Mike

You should be good to go

Thank you

Help!

Why has my blog been flaged and what do I have to do to get it unflaged? I'm looking forward to havin a realationship W/ realestatewebmasters.com. Here is my blog http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/andre77/5904/show/ 

What should I do.....?

Your account was flagged for duplicate content, you cannot post articles here that you have posted elsewhere online, we require all content posted to REW Blogs be 100% unique works.

roger that, I thought that had been corrected...i'll fix it and get back to you when done...

I am assuming you flagged my blog because I had some information I posted also on my website. I have removed that information. Please remove the flag.

I am not questioning the reason my blog was flagged... I delete them all... I just want to know when the flag will be removed. I don't post an other post until my account is clear.

Can you tell me how long will take for the flag will be removed?

Same here... I haven't heard a response and it's been over a week now!?

 why did I get flagged?

Hello? Is there anyone that reads and responds to these posts?

To ERALandmark

Yep. We read it. Morgan has just been busy with the REW Summit.

Your blog has yet to be unflagged because you have not yet shown you can come up with original content on your own. As soon as that's done,  you will be unflagged.

(Read a few comments up, Morgan says it himself.)

To mnlakeplace

Your blog was flagged because you didn't read the rules before posting. You have content on your blog that is also posted elsewhere on the web. We like to keep the content here at REW as fresh and unique as possible so any kind of duplicate posting is unacceptable.

Please remove all posts you have posted elsewhere around the net .

That's  it!!!!

I am out of here... I'll close my account ... Nobody answer my request and I feel a lot of carelessness in the way you handel the matter.

I don't know why I was flaged.Morgan are there anyway to lift the flag? Please reply.

I see I'm not the only one being flag! What is the rule? You can only blog here and no where else?

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/terms-of-use.html - feel free to read them.

Enough already for going around and around and not give us a specific answer...

My blog is EMPTY!!!! Nothing on it!

It is an invitation to cancel my account? because I am not going to sit here and wait for days and days to get an answer to my question. We all know the policy and do our best to comply with all but it is time for you to lift that flag already! HOW LONG IS THE WAITING TIME?

Arinah, Read what Nick posted above

"you have not yet shown you can come up with original content on your own. As soon as that's done,  you will be unflagged."

Can I get unflagged please?

Please tell me what is not compliant with my blogs?  I will get it corrected.

I'm not sure why I've been flagged, please let me know how to rectify this problem.

Mark Lomas

Mark your blog was flagged for duplicate (copy paste) content - you cannot post articles here that exist elsewhere on the web, whether you are the original author or not. Unique content only please

thanks

Sorry to bother you...I need to fix my blog.  Can you help?  It's been flagged for something....

gwilliamja - you aren't bothering me - Your blog was flagged as spam as well, but in your case it's link spam. You are attempting to use REW Blogs to inflate MFA spam sites that you are also advertising for sale:

***BUY THIS WEBISTE:
$5,000

-You will have the strongest "agent owned" real estate
website in the entire area!!!  There can be only one #1!

We at REW are not interested in having contributors who are attempting to use our resource to artificially inflate link popularity or page rank. What you are doing is a link scheme, and we will not allow you to make us a part of it. All links from your blog have been "nofollowed" as they are not trusted, and your flag will not be removed.

Morgan, can you please let me know why my blog has been flagged?

Ahh, might have been for duplicate content.  I've deleted this post: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/elisor/6494/show/ from the 2 other places I'd also posted it.  Sorry about that.

Hey Elisor,

Your blog will be unflagged following your next unique blog post.

Thanks.  I've posted one more blog post this morning to comply.

OK, removed the post that got your attention (I hope?) - my guess is that it was the graphic? And, since then I've posted a new unique post. Will I now be unflagged or are there still more problems?

Mark

Elisor, your blog has been unflagged.

Mark, unfortunately, no.. it wasn't the graphic.

A few of your blog posts are posted elsewhere on the internet and that's against the rules. Please remove the posts that you have posted on other blogs and post something unique and new. Your blog will then be unflagged.

Ok, I've deleted all but two post - that are unique and new - what now?

Mark

I have unflagged your blog. Please refrain from posting blog posts in more than one location in the future. Much appreciated.

N.

Hi Nick,

      Question... I have other 2 other real estate blogs...one I use to build my post on is GoDaddy that I then paste and post onto www.TheRealEstateScene.com that I use WordPress for.  I also sometimes copy and post onto  Active Rain that I'm guessing you're familiar with.  All the copy and images I use are mine.  I understand that you want things unique and new.  Without tipping the cart so to speak I'm guessing you don't want even a variation on a theme.  My questioning this is if there's a topic that I think is important that you do not want another version - even if the copy is different?  I realize this is probably walking a fine line for you.

      For someone like me I may have to excuse myself from your site.  My WordPress site has been very effective for generating prospects.  It's my number one place to post.  Your site's expectations are such that if I even were to re-write one of my original post it would not be acceptable within your format/parameters.  Have you seen the "Soup Nazi" Seinfeld episode?

       None the less, I wish you and yours all the very best in any and all of your endeavors. And, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year in 2009!

Mark Danforth Lomas

We have no problem with multiple blog posts on the same subject. As long as each post is in different words and offers something unique, you're good to go. Direct duplicates will be marked as spam.

So feel free to re-word/write and add to your articles.. just be sure that it isn't a copy of what you posted on 10 other sites. We want to keep the information flow through REW blogs fresh. Setting up these rules helps to ensure that.

Nick

I only posted to my own site are your's . Are you telling I can't post the same thing just twice?

Hey Jim,

Unfortunately, you can't do that. It's against the REW Blogs TOS.  It's actually listed as the number one thing we don't want to see:

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/terms-of-use.html

Please remove any duplicate copy from your post and add some unique content and I will be happy to un-flagg your blog.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Nick

Nick@realestatewebmasters.com

How do I cancel my account?

I've been receiving phone calls from other unhappy members here.  Let me know if you can take me out of your system, or how I can remove myself please.

Thank you

What are they unhappy about?

The handful of calls I received last week were from people who have web sites with you inquiring about the blog component, being flagged, and wondering what they're doing using your services.  Since I had no idea you also build web sites for people/realtors I had no response for there questions. I'm guessing, your methodology seems to reflect a certain kind of ideology of how everything should work on REW.  Apparently not everyone agress, appreciates, or is happy with the process here.

Now that I've answered (or have attempted to)your question, can you please answer my question, and tell me how I can remove my profile and blog from REW. 

I've attempted to delete my profile unsuccessfully.  Why isn't there somewhere  you can opt out of this site?  I'm trapped against my will here.  Get me out of here please!!!!

I have removed it for you. Goodbye

Hello Morgan,

I noticed that my blog was removed. I am aware that you have rules for entries but I could not see any specific reason for this.

Since you read the article, would you post the reason so I don't repeat the voilation next time.

Thanks,

Duplicate content - you cannot just copy paste articles that exist elsewhere to REW Blogs and call them a post

There was no malicious intention for the post...

Will you unflag my account? The entries are deleted now.

Morgan, let me know if you will unflag my blog.

Thanks,

You need to prove you're able to produce unique content before your blog is unflagged.

Why is my blog flagged?  Carol Clawson  carol@carolclawson.comm

Carol, you were flagged for link spam http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/weiss-clawson/6979/show/ posts like that are nothing but link spam and not what we want to see here at REW Blogs.

I think it's unfair to treat mistakes and malicious intent the same way.

I removed my most recent entry - let me know what else I need to do.

thanks,

My blog has been flagged for a while now. I've complied with your guidelines by removing my entries. can I finally get unflagged? Thanks,

Sincere apologies, how can I correct this?

Remove any duplicate content or offending material and write a unique blog post and show it to one of the mods on the forum or post in the blogs forum, they will review it and remove the flag if you have shown you can write within our rules and TOS

Have removed duplicate content.

I deleted the last two blogs. Am I OK now?

Would it be possible to get my flag removed?

Morgan:

      Could you please e-mail me and let me know specifically what violation you have placed on my blog.  Or please remove the violation flag.

Carol Clawson

carol@carolclawson.com

Three days ago, I requested that my flag be removed. Please advise. Thank you wolterteam@aol.com

I have deleted my last 5 entries. I do not know which one caused the account to be red flagged so I removed numerous posts. Please advise.

mattdavis@wesellmore.com

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/teamdavis/5738/show/ - is duplicate content - it already exists here: http://varealestatetalk.com/2008/02/22/will-this-affect-the-resale-value-of-my-home-foreclosures/ you are NOT allowed to post items on REW Blogs that exist elsewhere on the web (This is the most common issue that almost all of you have that are asking to get back in)

For the rest of you - I am not going to spend my time going through each and every one of your blogs figuring out which ones are link spam, which ones are duplicates etc - that is YOUR job, and until you clean them up, complaining that you have been flagged will not get you unflagged. Part of the excercise here is to get you to do the work so that you can "learn" what you did wrong and what to look out for in the future.

Also - before you can get unflagged you MUST write a unique blog post so that we can evaluate your contributions - you can't simply delete everything and say "k all gone, now unlfag me" - you haven't shown us that you have contributed or can contribute anything of value to the community if that is the case.

Finally - for those of you who say "it's been days I demand attention" - this is a free service that offers incredible upside to the contributors, I am most certainly not olbigated to jump when you say so - I have a business to run, customers to assist, thousands of members in good standing to help and educate, 30+ staff to manage - if I don't get to your free blog account and unflag it because you think you have deleted your spam - to bad! Sheesh

Thanks Morgan.

Morgan:

     OK I think I understand "link spam" now.  I have removed the blog considered to be "link spam."  Can you now remove the violation flag?

Carol Clawson

Weiss - you better be joking http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/weiss-clawson/6924/show/ is SPAM! (First one I looked at) - anyone see why I am starting to get annoyed here?

Ok I am going to try to help one more time - here read this http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/morgan-carey/2143/show/ hopefully that helps

Morgan, Respectfully, I am still am trying to learn why I can't get unflagged. I have read everything I can and every word on this page, and I still don't know what I did or what I can do. I wrote another blog today. Your service is not free when it takes valuable time out of my day to find out what is wrong. My time is money too. You should admire the people who are persistant they are your best clients and best bloggers eventually. Invest the time in us we are worth it! Thank you for a great site! It was recommended to me and is everything its been advertised to be. I'm counting on you bud! Please help.

Gary your account has been cleared (I reviewed 2 of your blogs) - I do appologize btw, and I really do value the time of those that are trying - I just get frustrated with so many people who post in this blog and clearly have not ever read the post (which has instructions) and they just think because they complain in the comments section, they will get re-instated.

That is not an excuse for painting everyone with the same brush - my appologies.

Morgan,

I too have read and re-read the terms and also the guidance you alluded to in your previous post regarding links, and I, as an internet marketing novice, am genuinely trying every day to see what I have done incorrectly.

I am keen to learn and build relationships with people who are experts in the field and indeed, where neccessary pay for their advice also. I have huge real estate experience, all of it, to my peril is "offline".

I know you are busy, but I am a someone who would like to use your services both paid and unpaid and am not someone who is rude, arrogant and couldn´t care less about the TOS´s you have taken the time to put in place, I just don´t understand some of them 100%, but I am trying!

Best Regards,

Mark

Morgan:

I removed the paragraph directing readers to our website and any commercial advertising.  I now understand there should be no website advertising in our posts.  Can we now get our blog unflagged?

Carol Clawson

Weiss, you still a ton of links crammed into almost every single one of your posts. That's pretty spammy. Have you read the post that you're currently commenting on? Here's one excerpt:

What we do NOT want to see at REW Blogs

Opinions that aren't informed or qualified. Without backup and explanation, your opinions are just hot air.

• The "echo chamber". If you will present information/ideas that you found elsewhere, you should contribute to it.
• Articles that are chiefly self-promotional with little to no content.
   
• Blatant Ads
• Link spam

Nick,

Does that apply to me?

Mark.

My last comment was directed at Weiss. I have not reviewed your Blog.. though, those rules apply to all who use REW Blogs.

I don´t have link spam, is it too self promotional?

I'm not saying you have link spam. I'm saying the comment above was specifically concerning Weiss' posts. My last comment was just saying that those are rules that apply to all bloggers.

I've been flagged and apparently I am not smart enough to figure out why.....can anyone help?

I have taken down my one blog entry and have read the terms. Can you please remove my flag? Thanks so muchl

LP - perhaps you should make a post to show the REW moderators that not only have you read (but you understand) the TOS.

Piney - I unflagged yours, not sure what the infraction was, I could not find it myself.

why am I being flagged. the content i have written is good information

Lol no bull - FIRST you signed up at the blogs and tried to submit an Australian website in the "Alberta" section - then your very first post was duplicate content (exists elsewhere on the web) 2 for 2, sorry you are going to have to actually READ our TOS, delete your duplicate content and prove you can actually contribue (and follow basic instructions) by posting something unique and in compliance with our TOS.

Take me off your system. YOU DONT HAVE PROVISION FOR AUSTRALIA and I dont like the way you tell me I have to prove I can contribute. Pity you are so ARROGRANT

Morgan,

I posted here requesting a little guidance from you regarding my blog, I know you are busy but I really want to get unflagged. I am pretty new to the internet as a medium but not to Real Estate, so spamming etc is not what I´m about, but building an effective presence on the web and producing highly regarded content is where I want to be.

I don´t want to you to think I´m being lazy, not checking TOS´s I am just not too sure what I have done wrong, would you regard my posts as too self promotional.

I would genuinely like to make valid contributions and just need some help to get me on track.

Regards,

Mark

Thanks Morgan.  In my original blog for January sales statistics in Piney Orchard I did have a link to my web site PineyOrchardHomes.com which I thought did relate to the blog post as that is what  my site is all  about.  I removed that before you looked at it.  Under this particular circumstance could that have been what got me flagged?  Just want to make sure I don't duplicate the error. 

Mark, I have reviewed your blog and it looks compliant with our TOS now. I have unflagged you.

You are the best.

I have taken your advice and posted several articles that I understand to be in compliance. Please review and un-flag if appropriate.

Thanks,  LP

LPride there is no way you are getting unflagged - I just checked your very first article (there are tons of them) http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/lpride6185/7339/show/ and it is completely ripped off (duplicate) content taken from casanuevaguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140:consider-buying-a-vacation-home-in-a-master-planned-community-in-texas&catid=28:international-buyers&Itemid=25

Sorry but either you didn't read what is posted above - or don't have the capacity to understand it - either way, if you post duplicate content you will not be able to post here.

The information is not "ripped off" but is duplicate from my OWN business website. I don't have time to write unique content for each blog website I post on - as I looks like other professionals feel the same.

Thanks but no thanks. Will post elsewhere. Please delete my account.

I just received my first comment on a blog I recently posted and noticed that I have been flagged as well. Not sure how to go about having it removed. Please take a look at my blog and let me know what I need to do to confirm. Thank you, Deborah Weiner.

Deborah - take a look at the post with the comment http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/deborahweiner/7358/show/ - there is absolutely no substance to it - just enough text for someone to attempt to justify the spammy link they are dropping - what's it followed by, a LIST of keywords - there is no unique quality content here.

Now look at the comment you received - you might not be able to recognize it, but it's a link drop (again spam) - the reason you attracted this kind of comment was because your post itself looked spammy and appeared to be nothing more than an attempt to send yourself a backlink - this is NOT what we encourage you to post, nor is it what we want to promote here at real estate webmasters.

And look at this page http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/deborahweiner/townhomes-and-homes-around-north-atlanta.html - absolutely ZERO content - just a link

VISIT: (link removed)

If you are just going to try to use our platform to spam links, then you will never be a welcome poster here - it's as simple as that - we are providing you with an amazing opportunity to borrow our authority to build your online reputation and drive traffic (not links) to yourself and your business. You need to treat it with respect if you expect to be able to continue to use it.

Thanks for the feedback. I will certainly work on my creativity and get what you are saying. I certainly hope I do better next time.

I  have no idea why my post has been flagged?

John

I have only checked one of the posts in your blog (there could be more...) but the first one, the content is posted on many other sites.

This is something that we do not allow. Please read the post above as well as the rules & regulations for REW Blog use for more information on how to get your blog unflagged.

(I also recommend reading the comments as well.. since this seems to be the most common problem)

Nick,

My apologies.  I deleted last post that was forwarded to me.  Thought was good content.  However, it was duplicated.

Hope we can move on now.

thanks

Am I still flagged or is the note from weeks ago?

Yes you are - posts like http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/deborahweiner/7439/show/ contribute no value here at REW Blogs and are nothing but link spam. Sorry, if you are not willing to contribute quality unique content devoid of link spam, then you cannot participate (and benefit) from our systems.

I deleted the blog. Sorry.

blogs deleted

Can you please remove the flag off my blog?  Thank you

No. We require that you can prove you're able to produce unique content. Once you make a post showing this, post another comment and we'll have the flag removed.

Ok, will do.

Got an email and not sure if it is from a comment on a post?
Deborah Weiner

It would be a notification of a new comment on this blog post.

I posted a new blog for your review

Where did you get that blog post from? It's pretty far from unique...

When we say prove that you're able to produce unique content, we mean write it yourself.. and make sure it's not placed on any other site but this one.

Using Copyscape, I found it in several other locations. Please remove that blog post.
 

Not Sure what you are referring to.

Ok, I'm starting to understand your guidlines.  You want 100% complete original content.  I just posted a blog of my new listing here in San Clemente.

I have rewritten the post so it has as little similarity as I can come up with, from another post that I had written at another site. I had not realized that was a problem but I am happy to comply.

This is important information and the state, and the school, asked me to try to get it out to the public. The fact is that up unitl this time there was zero available training for inspectors in the state, yet the state law that goes into effect mandates that inspectors must obtain approved training. 

It is very important that the inspectors impacted, and it could be several hundred or more, know that they now have a class they can take at a state community college/technical school.

If I have missed a problem here, please let me know and I will further modify or delete the post. I am not trying to cause trouble, just thought that REW was a good way to get this information out to those people who need to know it.

Thanks. 

Oh,

I realized that the link to the college might be the problem. Had not thought of that. Had forgotten of the separate place to put links. I have undone that and also put in the link to the state DOL. Hope that is what I needed to do to get the flag removed. Thanks.

Steve

I am uncertain if there is still a problem or if you have not have time to take a look at this. Thanks.

Your blog was not flagged for the link to the College. Your blog was flagged due to you having content on your blog that is also elsewhere on the internet. We only allow original content to be posted here. Please remove any content that you have posted on other blogs or have taken from other websites and your blog will be unflagged. Thanks!

Okay. As I understand it, if I significantly re-write the content, then it can stay here. Is that correct. All of the content is mine but, yes, some of it is at another one of my blogs. Thanks.

Today, I have deleted some posts. I kept some posts but completely rewrote them word by word. They are now completely different than any other posts that I have online anywhere. I have used some illustrative photos, in other posts, but these are completely independent articles. I would appreciate it if you would remove the flag and, in the future, I will make sure that any posts are unique when compared to my other online content.

Can you please remove the flag off my blog?  Thank you.

Can you please review my blog entries and remove my flag?  Thank you

Could you please review my blog. I would like to be activated and my flag removed. I will be more intelligent with my blogs. Thanks

I would, but your post (3 sentences.. not much of a post) seems more like an excuse to simply post a bunch of "Related Resources" links.

bclh, your posts look fine but your mini bio on the right side of your REW blog is posted on various sites.

Kingofthehouse, your blog has been unflagged. Everything looks good and you have some unique posts up. Thank you for complying with the Terms of Service!

Is it possible to have my blog page become unflagged?
thank you, Deborah Weiner

SEO Nick,

Thanks, I will watch me P's and Q's so that does not ever happen again. I understand your rules.

Please review my blog. If possible remove the flag.

Deborah: I can't remove your flag until you make sure your blog is in compliance with our rules and regulations (listed numerous times in these comments). You must not have any content on your REW blog that is posted elsewhere on the internet. I checked one of your posts and I'm still finding it on a bunch of other sites.

Kingofthehouse: No worries! Thanks for complying. Take care!

Johnson_Real_Estate: I have removed the flag on your blog. Thank you.

I have removed the blogroll links. Can you unflag my blog. Thanks

You only have 1 post, and it's duplicate content. You need to delete it, then write an absolutely unique post - and then ask for re-inclusion.

Hi Morgan,

Sorry, I didn't read the TOS first.  I've rewritten my post about my listing.  Can you please remove the flag?  The pix are the same but I changed all of the text.  I left two links to other listings at the end is that okay?

-Bob

I have removed all my blogs - please unflag my account so I can post my lateest update

Thanks,

George

Hi, I tried to correct few links and removed one too short article, hope now i can be unflagged...

Thanks,

Elli

I deleted the only two posts and just have my current one I put up a few minutes ago. I read the rules...sorry about that. I should know better to read the guidelines of other sites first

Hello, I recently started blogging and perhaps made it too promotional and thus was flagged.  This was unintentional.  I have changed the only 2 entries around that I had made and going forward will do my best to keep it informational.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you,
Veronica

Actually Veronica, you were flagged for "link spam" - your entries have barely any content in them and multiple links - this will get you flagged every time because you are clearly only posting to try to build links as opposed to providing quality content for our readership.

Hi Morgan and thanks for the email.  I just doubled the content in each entry and removed all but 1 link from each entry. The entires provide overviews of each community with research on the housing markets that I have done, thus I hope you don't continue to view these as spam. 

Thanks and please let me know.

Veronica

Vschneider, I am sorrry  but you just don't seem to "get it" - no matter what you do, if you are just creating an entry to get a link to your site accepted it will always be viewed as spam - here read this - http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/morgan-carey/2143/show/

Here is an example of a recent, short, but interesting blog post http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/tina-fountain/8074/show/ note the amount of comments? It's because it actually appeals to the readership.

Note the use of photos, the formatting of content etc? Yours has none of this - it's just a mish mash of poorly articulated information slapped together to attept to disguise a link drop.

Sorry post like this http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/vschneider/8080/show/ are simply not good enough to be allowed at REW blogs, they bring the perception of quality for the whole community down (and this is after you claim to have rewritten it) 

Hi Morgan, what about me?

Could you please tell me what I did to get flagged? I will gladly remedy whatever the problem is if you can just tell me what it is.

Thanks.

Sharon, I included the reason in the email I sent you. Here it is again:

"I should let you know, though, your blog has been flagged as spam. The reason, after some investigation, is that you have blog posts posted on your REW blog that you also have posted on other websites. This is considered duplicate content and is in direct violation of one of our number one rules.

In order to have the flag removed, you will need to remove every blog post you have posted elsewhere on the net and post some unique content in it's place.

Elli, your blog was flagged for the exact same reason as Sharon's. Please follow the instructions I have posted in the comment above for instructions on how to remedy the situation.

Thank you.

Okay, Nick. I think I've done what you asked. I removed posts that appeared in similar fashion elsewhere on the web, but there are a couple of places that seem to have scraped my posts from REW. Is that okay? They give credit to REW and I didn't post them --- they're just there.

And I wrote a new post that first-time buyers in this area should find very helpful.

HI Nick,

I have deleted my posts, and I apologize for not reading the guidelines, big mistake on my part. I have deleted all of my posts, and I will be writing a new post today to show I can create original content.

I will send oyu a message when I'm done, thanks!

-Lisa

Sounds great. Thank you, Lisa.

Looks good, Sharon. Thank you.

@LisaUdy - Flag removed. Thanks for complying. Take care!

My blog is still flagged but I thought I had cleared up the issues.  

Please advise and thanks,

Veronica

Hmm. Weird. I'm not sure why you were not unflagged. I saw nothing wrong with your blog. I have unflagged you.

Hi, can you help me - what exactly is the problem with my blog? Thanks a lot!

Jay

Jay - duplicate content is your issue - you are not allowed to post articles at REW Blogs that exist elsewhere on the web. Either remove them from the other sources, or remove them from REW blogs and you can ask for re-instatement.

Thanks!

I have edited my blog. I however did not remove the originals from other sites. I hope I have accomplished what you required if not I apologize again.

Robert

Hello Jay,   If I got the rules right, you nailed me for two links and giving my opinion.  I thought the  FDI figures did support the down turn in new subdivisions.  Buying real estate as a great investment.

thanks for your help

Hi,

I dealt with this about five months ago, resolved the issue. However, I am still getting comment notifications any time a person posts here. Can you tell me how I go about getting unlinked from this particular topic. I am sure I have to go in and undo something that I did, to get comments, but what I need to do is escaping me.

Thanks

Can you please explain what I did wrong? I don't see any violations in my posts.  I need to edit some of them but can't because I'm blocked.

Your problem is LINK SPAM - see this post http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/eastcobbagent/8630/show/ - none of your posts contribute anything of value to the readership here at REW blogs in fact - we don't want such posts here.

 unsure what i have blogged that has caused problems, is there not enough content possibly ? should i remove the links or some thing. Thanks heaps, still new, sorry

Next to no content with a link to your site on each post. Your posts aren't very helpful or informative.

 rojer, will add more content then, and remove unnecessary links

Unnecessary Links have been removed.

I have played by your rules...now please remove the flags from my blogs. Thank you

Not quite. You still have blog posts on your blog that you have posted elsewhere on the net. Please remove them and post a unique blog post to your blog. Thanks!

Unreal.  After speaking with some colleagues who post on here frequently, they too thought you were not only a bit (to put it mildly) harsh when you so bluntly told me the errors of my ways previously, but you didn't tell me WHY I was being flagged exactly or how you wanted me to fix it.   This repsonse was much milder (and informative) and I appreciate that, but I don't agree with your rules.  I have received a lot of traffic from my blogs that I have on REW and that is a direct link back to you.  I would think that that would count for something in your book. 

People WANT to know more about these neighborhoods, otherwise these posts wouldn't get so much activity.  I'm providing information to people that is useful and informative and you want me to remove it? I guess you aren't REALLY here to help RE agents after all.  Maybe you should just call it Webmasters.com...leave off the Real Estate part.

Hello,

We expect that all members review the terms of use and rules of blogging before making an account with REW blogs. If your blog gets flagged, it's because one of those rules were broken.

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/the-rules-of-blogging.html

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/terms-of-use.html

We do expect that you read the rules and follow them as you would in any other community, and we do expect that you know them and read them on your own as they are clearly displayed on the REW blogs main page.

Before, your posts were very short with a bunch of links back to your site. This is a common method by spammers, bots, etc. We have these strict rules in place to make sure our blogs and forum don't get cluttered with a bunch of spammy links and next no to useful information in the post itself.

The only real issue here now is the information being posted in more than one location on the net. Feel free to take your posts and re-work them so they aren't duplicates. We allow that.. but the posts you have up are exactly the same as the ones you have posted elsewhere.

This is something we just don't allow.

No worries.  They're gone.

To the REW guys, I feel for you! It must get frustrating repeating the same thing over and over and over and over... LOL

cheers 

I ralized that when I brought over content that a umber of the page titles with links in them got posted linking back to my site. It was not an -on purpose - it was a sloppy insert job on my end. I am sorry.

I also went in and modified the content, removed a few posts so as to comply wit hthe TOS.

You still have blog posts that are articles you have posted elsewhere. Please re-word them or remove them and add some unique content. Thank you.

emptied all of the article from the blog. ALL OF THEM. Just wrote 100% unique content on blogg content for a rela estate site and the impacts of duplicate content on hosts and indiviuals. I think it is relevent for the site and the pertinent to our discussion here.

Thanks,

Alison

I have unflagged your account. Thank you for complying.