Goodbye IHB

When I first read the blog entry this weekend, it really riled me. And to be honest, I haven't even read all the entries here.



As I percolate more, I'm slowly coming around to 'who cares'. Why shouldn't IR and Zovall reap the benefits of referrals? If they want to set up an agency and do IHB styled analysis, more power to them. Frankly, the real estate business can use a whole lot more analysis. Sometimes even simple analysis like how long would that down payment pay your rent?



As for the business structure, who knows. Having done different business dealings before, they can be a giant PITA. The number of ways to get crossed up with people is endless. As for why one partner and not another, again, a thousand different possible reasons.



Will you as a reader need to be more careful in making sure the info is objective? Yes. But face facts, you should have been doing so anyway.



I'll be honest, when I read over Shevy's site, I had concerns. But part of me knows, being a sales guy, MEANS acting like a sales guy. If you don't, you're not a sales guy. And sales don't just happen. The better product doens't just win and without sales, any business venture dies.



In the end, we are all here for the same reason. We want to make money or avoid losing money.
 
Busy Day at work.

Computer Gremlins Day at work. 2 Systems bit the dust today.

Production ceased. UPSET Customers and employees.

I told them we would fix it and to not get upset.

Funny how a positive controlling influence keeps things calm.

No threats. Just keeping everybody happy.



Todays word is Nemesis.

The spirit of divine punishment against those who succumb to hubris.

Hubris being. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance.



I give you Nemesis. Kind of what I feel has happened to this board.



<img src="http://www.bltserv.com/images/Nemesis.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1238914936]As one of the people who helped in fleshing out this board and blog, I am really offended by the ham-handed way it's been blatantly commercialized. That feeling is only dwarfed by the absolute outrage I am have that "Deuce" wasn't made a part of this. As far as I am concerned, that alone proves this is more "sell-out" than a real desire to use the spirit of the blog to help those who want to sell and/or buy in Irvine. IrvineRealtor took every attack in stride, defended himself and his profession without ever ONCE demeaning the other members, and did his level best to educate those who had questions without asking for compensation. And then you, zovall, and you, IrvineRenter, bring in some complete stranger to make some quick coin?



I hope you choke on every last dime. I am so sorry I ever wasted one second of my time trying to help the IHB. :mad:</blockquote>


After reading this entire thread and rereading the blog post, my feelings haven't changed. Not one of the old-timers would have an issue with zovall or IR (or any of the others who originally posted on the blog) trying to make a living from their efforts. When the idea of a logo came up, I was more than happy to help, and was compensated for it, and offered my services again (for free) when zovall wanted some banner ads. I was more than happy to help IR both when he put out a public call for help with publishing his book AND when he was looking for artwork for the cover, and no one was mad about him making money from what he had written here. Hell, I even sent money to IR back when the only option was a tipjar. So, it's not about the money, or making a living off IHB.



It's about treating the members of the community that have supported you and your efforts... for years now... with some damned respect. When IR wanted to write a book, he talked to US about it, too. When zovall wanted to redesign the blog and the forums, he talked about it openly for WEEKS before it happened. This "Irvine Housing Brokers" was a backroom deal, the exact sort of thing that people of integrity do NOT do to their friends and supporters. Hence my comment about the "ham-handed" way this was done. Instead of getting enthusiastic support, you have engendered contempt in those people who came here because they felt they were a part of something; you have made it abundantly clear that we are not now, nor have been, a part of IHB... we're just a bunch of unique visits on your site meters. And the worst part is that you knew this reaction was coming and you did it anyway...



[quote author="IrvineRenter" date=1239141444]That is exactly why we have asked him not to post in these forums. His email address is on the Saturday post if any of you should wish to contact him personally.</blockquote>


Well, IR, since you are in charge of keeping the hit count up, here's my last bit of free advice: when you are depending on "the community" to provide stats proving your advice is worth paying for in the first place, it's a REALLY bad idea to make that community feel like they don't matter.
 
Back in 1980s to 1990s, I was very active in the BBS community. Whenever the SYSOP make major changes in software or configuration, the community goes in an uproar about "how dare you change it".



Ultimately, the guy who's paying for the BBS upkeep is the SYSOP/Owner. When you log on to his/her BBS, you're a guest at his/her house (the BBS server was literally sitting in the owner's house back then).



As a guest, we're free to bring our objections to something that we don't like. But at the same time, we should not forget that we are the guest at someone's house, so act accordingly.



-----



When children fight, they make up and be friends again. Adults teach children to forget and forgive but when adults fight, they don't forgive. So instead of telling someone to "act like an adult", perhaps we should learn a thing or two from the kids instead.
 
I'm not really as upset about the whole debacle as some other folks, and I wondered to myself why that was. I realized that I no longer need to read the blog everyday for my dose of hope for my future. It's here. I have read every analysis post and every word of IR's book (some of them several times), and now feel that I have learned enough to make my own decisions about my real estate purchases. I'm not going to buy when IR says "buy". I'll buy when it's right for me. In talking to Graph about it, I said "I learned what I needed to learn from the Teacher"...and he said "you graduated!" So now that I am an IHB graduate, what the Teacher wants to do really doesn't affect me too much.



Another thought I had today in thinking about the heavy content-providers taking off from IHB:



1) If the folks who provide most of the content for the forums just keep doing their thing, and

2) if the folks who comment on the daily blog post just keep doing their thing, regardless of what the post actually says, and

3) if the new guy remains hidden in the shadows



then...



In all practicality, not much will have changed. I'm not saying ya'll won't feel differently, but emotions aside, not a whole lot needs to be different around here.
 
[quote author="caycifish" date=1239179396]Yeap...like I was saying...nothing will really change.</blockquote>


Oh yeah, Playa has his Photoshop working again! Hum... Where did I put that Brokeback Mountain pic I did once of Panda and Ten? Got a good idea.
 
[quote author="ipoplaya" date=1239179594][quote author="caycifish" date=1239179396]Yeap...like I was saying...nothing will really change.</blockquote>


Oh yeah, Playa has his Photoshop working again! Hum... Where did I put that Brokeback Mountain pic I did once of Panda and Ten? Got a good idea.</blockquote>


IPO, You never did a Brokeback Mountain pic of Panda and Ten? Show me.
 
[quote author="PANDA" date=1239180290][quote author="ipoplaya" date=1239179594][quote author="caycifish" date=1239179396]Yeap...like I was saying...nothing will really change.</blockquote>


Oh yeah, Playa has his Photoshop working again! Hum... Where did I put that Brokeback Mountain pic I did once of Panda and Ten? Got a good idea.</blockquote>


IPO, You never did a Brokeback Mountain pic of Panda and Ten? Show me.</blockquote>


You're right Panda, it was Ten and BV... I just found it:



<img src="http://www.ipoplaya.com/broke.jpg" alt="" />
 
IPO, can you make another photoshop master piece with me and Ten Please?



Tmare, you really thought Panda was going to leave IHB? I told you i am addicted to this website like smoking herion. What's up with the "Goodbye IHB"? IHB is here to stay.
 
[quote author="PANDA" date=1239181507]IPO, can you make another photoshop master piece with me and Ten Please?</blockquote>


:eek:hh:
 
[quote author="Shooby" date=1239153402]Man all this drama make's Panda's episode seem like Child's play.</blockquote>


I can't make up my mind if this was a poorly planned launch or a stroke of ingenious publicity. Is Britney Spears ex-manager on staff at IHB too?
 
What we're witnessing here is the deflation of IrvineRenter popularity bubble.



The blogger that predicted the Irvine bubble, at the same time created another bubble, his popularity.



<img src="http://trak.in/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/market-crash.jpg" alt="" />



Ha ha



See, bubbles not only happen in real estate.



I don't like to take things too seriously, and humor is wonderful for that, is time to be a little bit irreverent.



I like the turn that this thread has taken.
 
I had to allow myself a bit of fun.



<img src="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/assets/production/06/21/71/29/67zgyu.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="caycifish" date=1239179159]I'm not really as upset about the whole debacle as some other folks, and I wondered to myself why that was. I realized that I no longer need to read the blog everyday for my dose of hope for my future. It's here. I have read every analysis post and every word of IR's book (some of them several times), and now feel that I have learned enough to make my own decisions about my real estate purchases. I'm not going to buy when IR says "buy". I'll buy when it's right for me. In talking to Graph about it, I said "I learned what I needed to learn from the Teacher"...and he said "you graduated!" So now that I am an IHB graduate, what the Teacher wants to do really doesn't affect me too much.



Another thought I had today in thinking about the heavy content-providers taking off from IHB:



1) If the folks who provide most of the content for the forums just keep doing their thing, and

2) if the folks who comment on the daily blog post just keep doing their thing, regardless of what the post actually says, and

3) if the new guy remains hidden in the shadows



then...



In all practicality, not much will have changed. I'm not saying ya'll won't feel differently, but emotions aside, not a whole lot needs to be different around here.</blockquote>


Cayci,

Thanks for your thoughtful and measured response. I hope your prediction comes to pass. I also hope that some of our friends will return in time; they will truly be missed.
 
IHB to IR and Zovall?s credit have attracted a dedicated group of followers. Many members are looking for a home or ?gang? that we all can be a part of. It is a facet of human nature to be a part of a family where there is a leader. IR and his preaching created a ?RE cult?. A leader decides on new endeavor and that will never sit well with the dedicated followers.



IHB is now a power brand started by Zovall. Host of any website has one goal and that is to generate as much traffic to the site for exposure. Most ?google? search will channel many readers to IHB searching for housing related topics. The mission for all website hosts is to generate profit. Profit is a function of popularity. IHB has reached its maturity and the goal is becoming a reality.



I expected this day will come. As a guest I thank the hosts for their hospitality. This movement that we all believe in created a community and even tighter bonding for some members. Many members dedicated 2 ? years of their life here and countless hours informing and sharing their knowledge with others. I will miss Trooper and many others.



The new venture is not really an issue and I am in support of IR and Zovall?s new endeavor. The sudden resolution could have been handled differently by informing and consulting with other influential members in avoiding bad sentiment for many who contributed to the success of this site. Without the key people IHB would lose its appeal.



Here are some classic case studies. When Capital Pacific acquired JM peters for its reputation and brand but did not cherish its personnel thinking the brand will succeed by itself the result was disastrous. The same also apply for Taylor Morrison who acquired Taylor Woodrow.



To certain extent I would include myself as a case study statistic. Since the last recession I was responsible in creating all products for Taylor Woodrow, designed most move up products, master planned Crystal Cove, created architectural guideline for Shady Canyon, invented detached condos, prototyped IAC Woodbury Place, designed all Cal Pac?s products, conceptualized the importance of historical vernacular on the Irvine Ranch and brought the Chinese merchants to Irvine as a catalyst for the growing Asian population. My postings here at IHB limited my future involvement on the Ranch because I write about the truth and not sugar coat anything. Will the Ranch be the same without BK?s contribution? After all, it was the consumers and especially Asians that made the Ranch a success.



IHB was a platform for telling the truth and many industry insiders were willing to share their perspective. Having a corporate sponsorship now may cloud the clarity of opinions and will always cast doubt among the members regarding the intent of information being posted.
 
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