Inman News just announced the finalists for the 2008 Inman News Innovator Awards.
In the blog category five fabulous blogs were nominated:
1000Watt Blog
AgentGenius
Big Picture Blog
FBS Blog
Homegain Real Estate Blog
I may be slightly biased in that I contribute to two of these blogs (AgentGenius and HomeGain). Benn and Lani are responsible for much of the success of AgentGenius, and while I can’t speak for them, I’m sure they’d graciously contribute the success to the AG contributors. Louis at Homegain would follow right along. It has been my pleasure to work with Benn, Lani, Louis and all of the AgentGenius and HomeGain contributors.
Biased as I may be, I can attest that the other three nominees are all more than worthy to be named finalists.
Marc Davidson (and Brian Boero) at 1000Watt are brilliant writers and innovative thinkers. I’ve had a couple of conversations with Marc and can tell you that he’s as nice a guy as he is smart.
Speaking of nice and wicked smart, Michael Wurzer at FBS fits that mold to a T. For those in the Phoenix area, Michael is the CEO of the company that is bringing us our shiny new FlexMLS system.
I don’t know Barry Ritholtz at Big Picture blog, but I can tell you one thing for sure — if it’s financial info you are looking for, you need look no further.
Congrats to all the Inman Innovator Finalists in the Blog category! (and all the nominees in the other categories too, several of which I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and/or corresponding with.) Whoever ends up winning it will be deserving, and beating out some very tough competition.
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The Phoenix Real Estate Guy was started by Jay Thompson, and I have a little blogging problem... he liked to say...
Thanks, Jay! Given what you're accomplishing with TPREG blog, I really think Inman should have looked your way more than mine. You're showing the way for how to turn blogging into production and that's as innovative as it comes.
Those are very kind (and appreciated!) words Michael, thank you!
And thanks for the Open play by play on Twitter! I can't believe my video feed dropped out on the 17th!!
As much as I love the web, there are certain events for which there just isn't yet the bandwidth. In some ways, I can understand why some of the ISPs want to charge by the bit. The current situation is sort of like the airlines screwing the business travelers and pricing vacation travel low, in that everyone loses. On the other hand, I'd hate to see innovation stifled by having broadband restricted to those who can pay for it. No easy answers I guess.
With all you do in the blogging community, I am very surprised to not see your blog on that list Jay.
Oh well, there's always next year, right?
Congrats to the five contenders!
@Michael – you're right. And a major sporting event playoff held when the bulk of the viewing demographic is trapped in an office is probably the ultimate test! I can tell you that Starbucks clearly didn't have the bandwidth! Nor can I really complain about free wifi. The timing couldn't have been worse though!
@Matt – I don't think they've ever nominated a single-agent blog for an Innovator award. I may be wrong, but I don't recall one. Perhaps a "local" single-agent blog doesn't have the "reach" to be considered innovative. Or it's looked at as "just another real estate blog". I'd disagree with that, but maybe that's the thought process. All I really care about (really) is that people find something of value here. Whether someone considers it "innovative" or not, doesn't really matter in the long run. Readers, and clients, are the bottom line. But I sure appreciate the kind words!
Like I said on Twitter… break out the tuxedo shirts!!! AG for the win, baby!!! 😉 Thanks for being one of the voices on AG that makes it such an innovative community based on solutions (what a novel concept)! 🙂
All y'all are awesome-ful! Thx for leading the way.
Jay
Thanks for the notice and for the help in getting the nomination.Your late submissions are always worth the wait!
Where's the Phoenix Real Estate Guy.com?
I demand a recount.
I've read the agentgenius and homegain blogs and both are great blogs, and as you mentioned, both are deserving of the nomination.
Jayson
Phoenix real estate guy is not just "innovative" but an institution.
You guys are all WAY too kind. Thanks.
And Louis, you have a way of making feel incredibly guilty about those late posts. Soon, REALLY soon…. 🙂
Jayson
Phoenix real estate guy is not just “innovative” but an institution.
All the 5 are great blogs – congrats to all!
Way to go Big Picture Blog!
Great list of up and coming and relevant real estate blogs. Bloggers should be recognized as much as writers in other media, in my opinion they work hard trying to keep up with the dynamic, quick growth of the blogosphere. I stumbled your post! 🙂 Thanks.
What a cool blog.. Congratz..
You are showing the way for how to turn blogging into production and that’s as original as it comes. All blogs are great.