From the Annals of Wired Straits: More on Relationships

Ah, the horse ain’t quite dead yet, Matt Dollinger. Nor is the discussion a moot point. I testify, cuz at the September dinner of the Wired Straits Social Club (kinda like a Houston-based Lucky Strikes, which I started in NYC), we discussed this issue at some length. And got something out of it. I figured … Read more

If Real Estate Is Not a Relationship Business, What Business Is It?

  Over at Inman Next, Chris Smith stirs the cauldron up with a post entitled, “It Is No Longer A Relationship Business – Here’s Why“: Where I disagree is in the stance that I want to have a relationship with my Realtor. I don’t. In fact, I can’t even imagine it. My argument is that … Read more

Things Go In Cycles: The Return of Walled Gardens?

It’s a hot Saturday morning here in Houston, and the sunlight is so strong you can almost feel the weight of it on your skin. Maybe it’s early onset of sunstroke, but I felt like musing on random things. Feel free to skip this post; it isn’t likely to be useful to anyone. But I’m … Read more

The Challenge of Apple to Social Marketers Everywhere

  The other day, at the as-yet-unnamed Houston Social Media Club dinner, we got to talking about (what else) using social media for marketing purposes. I was reminded of that discussion checking out the new InmanNext post on Engagement by Michael McClure (that’s Mr. ProfessionalOne to you). [By the way, kudos to Chris Smith for … Read more

Is This What Passes for Real Estate Journalism These Days?

First, watch (or not watch) this:   Even though this video looks like hundreds of other listing videos that real estate agents have been shooting for years now, with the help of companies like Real Estate Shows and WellcomeMat, that video, you see, constitutes journalism. It comes from the Wall Street Journal, from their Developments … Read more

Back to Basics: A Conversation With Mrs. Notorious

One advantage of long road trips, particularly with say… one’s spouse, is the opportunity to talk without interruption. The car moving down the highway at 75 65 miles per hour (or whatever the legal speed limit is, officer) becomes a sort of isolation chamber without TV, without the kids demanding attention, and without any other … Read more