A New O’Sphere (Just in time for St Patrick’s Day)
Posted by John Lockwood on February 29th, 2008
Several authors including Genuine Chris Johnson have been making the point that that the real estate Blog-O’Sphere is inbred and cliquish.
I’ve been noticing that as well.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with cliques, per se, but I do object to those that don’t center around me.
This is, after all, the Social Internets. It’s a series of tubes where people should try to be more friendly to me.
Introducing the Real Estate John O’Sphere
Unlike that worn out, old, legacy Blog O’Sphere, The Real Estate John O’Sphere (O’Sphere 2.0) includes me by definition.
Here are some important differences between the real estate blogosphere and the Real Estate Johnosphere:
| Blogsphere | Johnosphere |
| Really big and crowded. | Small, intimate. |
| John’s status subject to A-blogger whims. | Johnocentric universe. The state of our union is strong. |
| Practically full already. | Lots of room to grow. |
| It’s important that you like me. | It’s important that I like you. |
| Talks about Seth a lot. | Relatively Asethtic. |
| Is a de facto clique. | Is a de jure clique. |
| Complex rules. At least nine — maybe more. | One simple rule: do I like you? |
| Characteristic pathology: polyphonic narcissism. | Characteristic pathology: tongue in cheek megalomania. |
| Elitist: need a blog to belong. | Democratic: no special technology requirements. |
| Other names include RE.net. | Other names include JCL.net (I.e., John Charles Lockwood, not Job Control Language). Also called O’Sphere 2.0. |
| Less filling. | Tastes great. |
Membership
Membership in the Real Estate John-O’Sphere is simple. All past and future clients are members by default, since I enjoy getting paid. Therefore they are members of my O’Sphere of O’Influence.
For everyone else, the nomination process is simple. First I think about you, and then I think “Do I like that person?” If I like you and I feel like you’d make a good fit, then you’re in.
The Appeal Process
What if you’re not in, then what? Well, that’s where the appeal process begins.
You try to do something to make yourself appeal to me. If you succeed, then I let you in.
February 29th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Cute idea, John. Am I in or out? LOL
February 29th, 2008 at 8:42 am
See my comment on ActiveRain. You were one of the easy ones. You’re so in.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Hi Marchel! In, of course.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Hi John, this is cute a great for leap day! So I’m with Missy am I in or out?
February 29th, 2008 at 9:18 am
See comment 3. In!
Yes, it’s a good leap day thing, though I suspect now I’m on the hook to make a real list.
Fortunately I’m now the proud owner of “Johnosphere.com”.
Some people will spend ten bucks on anything…
February 29th, 2008 at 9:21 am
By the way I have my blog set up when you get a chance check it out and let me know what you think. I’m still struggling with putting stuff on the side bar but it is a journey. I just ordered some hard bound books on wordpress so hopefully that will help. That jumping back and forth between tutorials just doesn’t work for me.
February 29th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I am more than honored to be included in John O’Sphere, just not sure what the more is!
John, as ususal you make me laugh and it felt good on such a beautiful Leap Day!
February 29th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Happy Leap Day! I like #7 most of all. In fact, I think it should be the default everywhere – on all blogs.
February 29th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Purva:
Thanks — yes, the problem with popularity contests is often that there are too many judges. Having a single judge is a simplifying assumption. By the way, I hope you weren’t wondering, but you’re in!
Julie:
It doesn’t matter what the more is, just so long as the more the merrier!
March 1st, 2008 at 4:43 am
Gosh I hope I am in.
I have always really, really liked you John. Or I guess at first I was really, really intrigued by you.
Happy March First. Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit.
March 1st, 2008 at 8:17 am
How could you doubt it, Maureen? Of course you’re in! (As I pointed out in a comment on the AR post).
Wow, really, really? I’m going to have to start paying better attention.
March 1st, 2008 at 8:30 am
John… I have to read comments on AR now too? How do you know Chris Johnson? I thought the ” Chris Johnson in Columbus Ohio?” no??? … clicked through to one blog than another blog then found a 614 area code so yes it is THE Chris Johnson.
March 1st, 2008 at 10:38 am
I followed a link to Chris from one of Todd Carpenter’s blogs.