Forums: Love 'Em, Hate 'Em, Can't Live Without 'Em? Gathering material for article

[Katrina Lazenby]

Now that's interesting . . . the forum as a treatment for insomnia!

Actually, one of the best things about this particular forum, for me, is that people are on it in all different time zones and there's usually someone up to answer a question. I like the different perspectives regionally, also.

 

[TC]

Hey Tony, that color bothers me alot.


TC

 

[xm39hnu]

How much time do you spend on online forums?
An hour or so. More on some days, less on others.

What have you learned from online forums?
More than I've learned in CE; way too much to list here. Examples: Redact AMC contracts; you don't have to accept their terms. You don't have to accept every client who calls. You can't accept every assignment that falls into your lap. Care and feeding of USPAP; proper application of its provisions in a real-world context.

Has there ever been a time when a forum poster helped you online? With a real problem? (taking over an appraisal, sharing comps, etc.)
Several times, but not with mechanical stuff like comps. Mostly on theory and applicability of some technique or solution.

What do you like most about forums---the camaraderie or the actual information? Or are both equally important?
When you work in a small shop, having the interaction with others makes all the difference. When some MB tells you "None of my other appraisers insist on this," the forum gives you the confidence to answer, "Then you need better appraisers." Because you've met them online.

What are the forum addresses you check regularly? Links will be provided in the article, and I already have this one!
This one is primary, and gets the most time. I also read the MacBasedAppraiser e-mail forum on Yahoo! and the AI's Form and AITech Forum.

 

[Carnivore]

Ditto Jim Plante, except for the Mac Based Appraisers. I dont have no stinkin Mac!

 

[Katrina Lazenby]

LOL, Andrew---I wish I had one! Bought a new work laptop Acer and haven't been happy with it.

 

[Lobo Fan]

How much time do you spend on online forums? On this one 30-60 minutes per day, often in snippets. I look in on a couple of other forums dealing mostly with UNM athletics. That is my biggest time waster.

What have you learned from online forums? I recently took my 7 hour USPAP class and I was a star student due mostly to paying attention to this forum.

Has there ever been a time when a forum poster helped you online? With a real problem? (taking over an appraisal, sharing comps, etc.) I have sought advice many times. Usually the advice just confirms my original opinion, but sometimes I get something fresh and new.

What do you like most about forums---the camaraderie or the actual information? Or are both equally important? Both.

 

[Ray Miller]

Appraisal Forums: Love 'em? Hate 'em? Can't Live Without 'em?

This question is not completely random; I am writing an article for the Georgia Association of Professional Appraisers' newsletter about different appraisal forums. Since I often check this one, I thought I would ask these questions of anyone who would like to respond. If you don't mind being quoted, respond with your actual name, your professional qualifications and the geographic area in which you do business. Here are some questions you might want to answer:

How much time do you spend on online forums? Hour or two a day.

What have you learned from online forums? Part of the information is good; part of the information is out with the Enterprise in the far, far quadrant of some distance galaxy.

Has there ever been a time when a forum poster helped you online? With a real problem? (taking over an appraisal, sharing comps, etc.) Many


What do you like most about forums---the camaraderie or the actual information? Or are both equally important? Both are equally important.

A lot of new friends, a lot of support, knowing others encounter the same problems as I do, that I am not alone in the world of appraising.

I would consider this on going CE, where else could you get the wealth of knowledge that this forum brings in. It would cost you a kings ranson in gold and silver if you bought books to learn it. Have a problem, just post it and with a few minutes, you have answers that may go for days. Each person sharing, agreeing or countering one another.


What are the forum addresses you check regularly? Links will be provided in the article, and I already have this one! This one, www.auctioneers.org, www.horsehoses.com , Horsescience@yahoogroups.com Total2000UsersGroup@yahoogroups.com any more then this and the wife would think I was doing something else with the computer and band me from using it or install “Kid Guard”.

 

[Katrina Lazenby]

LOL, Ray! I am really enjoying these responses! Thanks to everyone who has replied so far and I encourage others to respond also.

 

[Head Surfer]

Moving to media questions and answers.

 

[Joker]

How much time do you spend on online forums?
On average, about an hour. More when I am less busy in the office, less when I am more busy.

What have you learned from online forums?
A great deal of current information, proposed and pending changes, that I am not the only appraiser that faces challenging assignments, that other appraisers are also being pressured from lending clients. This particular forum has taught me more than most CE classes. In fact, things taught in CE classes are discussed here daily and are not new (or better) information.

Has there ever been a time when a forum poster helped you online? With a real problem? (taking over an appraisal, sharing comps, etc.)
Several times. Additionally, I have referred clients to other members here when a property to be appraised was not in my geographical area. I have phoned several members for a second opinion when I encounter a complex commercial or consulting assignment.

What do you like most about forums---the camaraderie or the actual information? Or are both equally important?
Both are equally important. The information is virtually meaningless unless you are certain of the intellect, expertise, and persona of the person providing it. There are some posters here who instruct by telling, others by sharing real world examples, others by informing an inquisitor where the information. There are even members here who use humor and absurdity in their answers.
No man is an island. Many appraisers work in small one or two person shops and interacting with other appraisers in similar situations sharing similar work (and life) experiences is very helpful for one's sanity. From joining together by our common professional interests several friendships have been formed with appraisers across the country. I phoned members coast to coast, met one in person, and consider them all friends. (They however, may feel differently)

What are the forum addresses you check regularly? Links will be provided in the article, and I already have this one!
This one only.

Real Name
Doug Walker
Qualifications
Certified General Appraiser
Area Covered
Rural Southern Ohio