What Do You Think Of All Of The Reverse Trolling in the Forums?

[Jonathan Greene]

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

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I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

[Greg Scott]

Agree with you. I prefer the forum used for investors with actual questions.

I am not a fan of what you call reverse trolling.

I am not a fan of posts in the forum which have no questions and are basically blog posts. They are essentially the same thing you are describing, but sharing an "expert opinion".

I am also not a fan of how BiggerPockets itself is doing this same thing in the forum by posting blog posts and you don't have the ability to comment on the posting (because some times I disagree with the posting!)

[Caleb Brown]

I always wondered if someone creates 2nd accounts just so they can comment with their main to drive business. 

[Bruce Woodruff]

I don't really even notice them, and I certainly don't click on them to actually read and get involved.....Just another way of getting business and not a great one IMO..

By the way, does anyone know anything about framing a staircase?

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Greg Scott:

Agree with you. I prefer the forum used for investors with actual questions.

I am not a fan of what you call reverse trolling.

I am not a fan of posts in the forum which have no questions and are basically blog posts. They are essentially the same thing you are describing, but sharing an "expert opinion".

I am also not a fan of how BiggerPockets itself is doing this same thing in the forum by posting blog posts and you don't have the ability to comment on the posting (because some times I disagree with the posting!)

Yes, this seems to be happening a lot now as a way to advertise without advertising, so I wanted to check the temperature to see if it's me or everyone is bothered by it.

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Caleb Brown:

I always wondered if someone creates 2nd accounts just so they can comment with their main to drive business. 

That's a LinkedIn ghostwriter strategy to a tee.

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

I don't really even notice them, and I certainly don't click on them to actually read and get involved.....Just another way of getting business and not a great one IMO..

By the way, does anyone know anything about framing a staircase?

HAHA. I do think just leaving them alone is the easiest to do. They are just SO obvious. I assume most people know and then you see newbies fall right into their trap.

[Jeff S.]

@Jonathan Greene I don't mind them generally but when they raise huge amounts for syndications that go south that is another story. Always consider the source. Buyer beware!

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Jeff S.:

@Jonathan Greene I don't mind them generally but when they raise huge amounts for syndications that go south that is another story. Always consider the source. Buyer beware!

Yeah, the buyer beware thing is important. It's always here, but I am caught ethically in my mind between protecting (some would say overprotecting) new investors from obvious pitch mechanisms and trying to get these posts kicked or saying, if they can't see the reverse trolling, it's out of my hands. It's a quandary.

[Luka Milicevic]

Haha wow! Thanks for the idea! 

I never noticed, but this is pretty smart marketing. 

[James Wise]

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 How do we know that you aren't running a Trolling coaching business, and that this post isn't just reverse reverse trolling?

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 How do we know that you aren't running a Trolling coaching business, and that this post isn't just reverse reverse trolling?

You caught me. I am reverse reverse trolling. Only you could figure it out. Now the DaVinci code is unlocked and everything will become a funnel to my wholesalers reverse trolling business. Damn. 

[James Wise]

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 How do we know that you aren't running a Trolling coaching business, and that this post isn't just reverse reverse trolling?

You caught me. I am reverse reverse trolling. Only you could figure it out. Now the DaVinci code is unlocked and everything will become a funnel to my wholesalers reverse trolling business. Damn. 

 Lol, Jonathan, I've got to be honest with you. I am actually starting a Reverse Trolling Coaching Coaching program, and I am just Reverse Reverse Reverse Trolling right now.

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 How do we know that you aren't running a Trolling coaching business, and that this post isn't just reverse reverse trolling?

You caught me. I am reverse reverse trolling. Only you could figure it out. Now the DaVinci code is unlocked and everything will become a funnel to my wholesalers reverse trolling business. Damn. 

 Lol, Jonathan, I've got to be honest with you. I am actually starting a Reverse Trolling Coaching Coaching program, and I am just Reverse Reverse Reverse Trolling right now.

We need to loop in the SEO expert on this so we both get fair cracks on the Internet.

[Ronald Rohde]

Its annoying. Lowers the value of everything. There's always a fine line between investors/people trying to sell something

[Erik Estrada]

I guess it could be annoying sometimes. But other times, it could be a good way to start a conversation with borrowers that really don't have a clue what is a "decent" rate on a DSCR loan. It could also be a good way for borrowers to share terms and for lenders to provide feedback on those terms.

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 I typically just call them out. There was one where something on syndications and the person was saying how great a specific way to do things was - I called them out and said of course you are gonna say that as your company is a software company that does that. Atleast be upfront with people on it as your opinion is clearly bias.

[Rene Hosman]

Quote from @Chris Seveney:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 I typically just call them out. There was one where something on syndications and the person was saying how great a specific way to do things was - I called them out and said of course you are gonna say that as your company is a software company that does that. Atleast be upfront with people on it as your opinion is clearly bias.

 I like this approach a lot Chris!

[Mike Dymski]

Would love to get rid of all the spam on the forums but the site is geared towards new investors and service providers; so, I am not the target audience.

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Chris Seveney:

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 I typically just call them out. There was one where something on syndications and the person was saying how great a specific way to do things was - I called them out and said of course you are gonna say that as your company is a software company that does that. Atleast be upfront with people on it as your opinion is clearly bias.

I did that today, but then instead of being reasonable, the realtor who was clearly promoting kind of mocked me. Like we all know what you are doing, it's silly when you pretend it's open ended.

[Jonathan Greene]

Quote from @Erik Estrada:

I guess it could be annoying sometimes. But other times, it could be a good way to start a conversation with borrowers that really don't have a clue what is a "decent" rate on a DSCR loan. It could also be a good way for borrowers to share terms and for lenders to provide feedback on those terms.

If you start the conversation then inherently you are looking for business from it, that's my problem. If someone asks about DSCR rates and you respond with the current rates, that is the solution to me.

[Ryan Konen]

Ive noticed that as well. I think it's just people trying to get there name out and trying to hustle to get noticed. It doesnt bother me much because at least it's an opportunity to discuss a topic that I would be interested enough to chat about. I'm not a fan of the blogging on the forums posts instead of questions though 

[Ed O.]

The reverse trolling and self promotions are lame. Lot's of "look at me and here's why I am great" posts too. 

It really seems like the forums have been off for the last few months I've been reading them. 

Mostly gone are the contributors like the ones in this thread: lots of posts and lots of votes. Forums seem heavily loaded with newbs or takers - 20 posts for every vote type ratios... 

Not sure where everyone went.  

[Tim Delaney]

Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

First, let me define what I mean by reverse trolling. Reverse trolling is posing a vague question in your practice area to allegedly spur discussion, but it's always to get business. 

It's technically avoidant of advertising or self-promotion, but it always is blatant self-promotion opportunity. It's a way to skirt the rules IMO.

Is it responder beware (and technically in compliance) or just trash?

-----

Here are some examples:

Real estate agent in Topeka - "Anyone have thoughts on the Topeka real estate market?"

Lender - "What kind of rates are you guys seeing on DSCR lately?"

Software developer - "What things do you look for in a CRM?" (owns a CRM company)

Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"

-----

I am curious about the general feelings out there because I can be a bit hypervigilant, and posts like these drive me nuts.

 Definitely not a fan of that practice. Instead trying to bait people in just go answer legitimate questions using your experience/knowledge and demonstrate the value you bring. Or if you are going to start a thread at least contribute your take or insight right up front and ask for input. For example the RE agent could share insights into latest trends or data that they have seen with their own analysis of it then ask if people have questions or additional insight.

[Jay Hinrichs]

seems to me folks can just share in the success stories threads thats where you go to talk about your wins and let folks know what your up to..

BP is not an inexpensive place to market yourself with the Ad fee structure so agents and those that dont have large budgets could never afford it.. so the ( as its now called ) reverse trolling is the way these folks are trying to drum up bizz ?

Its a fine line here on BP a ton of the audience/members are in the business and the BP members are their target potential clients. And because you cant self promote there is always going to be some way to get some kind of message out there without breaking the rules or offending anyone.. but again I think the success stories threads should be utilized for that. 

[Corby Goade]

Sometimes people are REALLY creative about it, and I respect that, lol. However, 95% of it is verbatim what you posted here and I think that's hilarious, as if they are the first person to think of that angle and they're about to catch a bunch of millionaires in their brilliant web. 

In reality, they're just broadcasting that they have no experience.