If BiggerPockets had "groups" like Facebook would you use them?

Question

I've noticed a fair number of investors, even those who use BP, don't use Facebook or other social media. This got me thinking that a "groups" feature on BP so we can form and run groups to organize, communicate, share deals, and keep in touch might be useful. Any thoughts? Any BP staff got the inside scoop on how feasible something like this is down the road?

Jin Lee · Answer

Absolutely, I appreciate your thoughtful response. Forum filters are definitely a helpful tool as well. here are a couple examples of how groups would be helpful. 1. REI meetups - Forums work ok for organizing a single meetup but aren't the best way to manage these longterm. By having a group like Facebook groups you enable a higher level of engagement with your members. I attended local BP meetups for years and the biggest struggle was maintaining engagement. Keeping the conversations going between meetings and making a space where the group can share local resources and advice would have a big impact on the long term success of REI meetups. Groups also allow for more private conversations about local issues or specific situations with a tenant or property than public forum posts, which can be especially important with the recent hostility (and even violence) towards landlords. 2. Niche groups - The forums cover a vast amount of topics and over a decade of posts, many of which are out of date and possibly even outright incorrect in todays market. Groups allow people to join a specific niche and see the most recent conversations on that topic. 3. Moderation - The forums are a Wild West of opinions, contradictions, and hot takes. Groups would allow for group-specific rules, etiquette, and self moderation. Just like on Facebook, a groups creator can give trusted individuals who contribute regularly, permissions to approve posts or take down posts that violate the groups rules. @Joshua Stein

Bill B. · Answer

I’d be interest in seeing how it works out but I’m one of these people who has a Facebook account but checks it once a year or less. Give me an example of how it would work in practice please. If you’re looking to improve the site. How about forum filters?I don’t want to see posts from people with less than 10 posts, or less than 60 days on BP, or without their location in their profile, or whatever else you can think of?One of my biggest pet peeves is the 1st post from someone who joined today with no profile info who makes up a scenario they say they are asking for help on. But basically just want to argue or cause an argument. Best case, they are asking a question that’s literally been asked every week since BP started but they don’t want to have to search for an answer.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

I have been asked and joined about 10 face book groups.. its a jumbled up mess in my mind.. I dont know how to decipher fB short hand or what the hell these folks are talking about half the time.. so like you I never look at them anymore . there is a BP one that I am on with other top BP contributors and those that work there.. but again I dont see a lot of actionable things being posted and I never post on FB .. Most of the folks I know in the industry that are doing well use facebook to post their cool adventures and vacations.. But thats just my take on it.. more of a brag forum than deal forum. I get it these folks are in their late 20s to early 40s and have now done well and are taking their first big trips to far away lands and the cool car they bought etc etc.. thats my take on it. I am happy for them but for me been there done that :)

Steven Foster Wilson · Answer

I love the idea of having a group in a very accessible platform. I'll be a part of it for sure.

Kyle Spearin · Answer

100% count me in!

Elias Osborne · Answer

I believe a group feature on here would be great. It can help people in specific markets find like minded investors more easily. I believe there would need to be a gate keeper as a lot of the Facebook groups have many spam posts and members with predatory intent. I think BP is a platform that is not saturated with that type of persona or conduct, which is why I think it would be a benefit.

Taylor Dasch · Answer

YES! I think this would limit the amount of local posts that do not get much activity as well.

Alfath Ahmed · Answer

Yes, I would definitely join and even look to create my group. I have a ton of insight about the Columbus market and how to buy very profitable deals in Columbus. If we had groups, I could have definitely offered a lot more.

Daniel Murphy · Answer

@Joshua Stein, I agree with @Jin Lee. I'm a long-term lurker, but am now just now starting to actually post. A couple of hours ago I made a new post about Outdoor Industrial Store and Truck Parking. I think both of those topics are going to trend up for the next several years. If there was already a "Group" of or groups that already existed on those topics, I could start there and immediately find my people and likewise people in that area finding me, as opposed to an Intro thread that could get buried with details and not ideal for multiple people trying to chat and share at one time.

David Ramirez · Answer

Agree with @Bill Brandt, forum filters would be a great addition