First off congratulations on the getting the group started on Facebook. How long did it take you to get the membership numbers you have?

As to my post I really appreciate your comments and perspective but I believe you misunderstood me. I am absolutely in favor of local associations participating in social networks. Likewise I would never attempt to control the conversation about the association.

The only issue I have is when a member well intentioned or not does an action in the name of the association, as that action will reflect on the association. That is not to say that I don’t want members to be public advocates for the association rather I don’t want them to speak for the association.

Thanks for reading the blog and I love your association’s website especially the Ted!

We have 105 members and counting with very little in the way of interactive direct marketing.

Personally, I would have taken up the offer to assume ownership of the group. With the advent of social media, REALTOR associations need to acknowledge that they are not fully in control of the message. And one could argue that they never were. Believe it or not, REALTORS talk about their associations over lunch, in the hallways at meetings, on the phone, in sales meetings, and etc. Facebook is just another place to talk. But on Facebook, unlike the former, the association has the opportunity to be involved in that conversation. I wouldn’t pass up that opportunity.