This is hardly the place, but you don’t need a “next” association; just reform NAR and make it what y’all want. I’m also used to thinking of NAR as the staff — but in reality, NAR is all of you dues-paying REALTORS. If the majority of members feel a certain way, then that’s how NAR will go.

FWIW, in my mind, “better” looks something like this (at least as far as this particular issue goes):

1. Rather than deleting or clarifying a negative comment, a REALTOR will report such comment to the local Board for investigation, and the local Board will investigate within a reasonable time to ascertain that there is no basis to the allegation.

2. Rather than a rule trying to “protect” the reputation of REALTORS, have a rule that burnishes the reputation of REALTORS by holding each other to the highest standards of ethics, excellence, and execution. Being a REALTOR should mean something.

In short, I think REALTORS should be more like golfers (who report their own infractions on their honor, and those who cheat are immediately ostracized from the sport and “polite society”) and less like basketball players (who do Oscar-worthy performances of “WHO ME???” after flagrantly fouling someone).

-rsh

This is hardly the place, but you don’t need a “next” association; just reform NAR and make it what y’all want. I’m also used to thinking of NAR as the staff — but in reality, NAR is all of you dues-paying REALTORS. If the majority of members feel a certain way, then that’s how NAR will go.

FWIW, in my mind, “better” looks something like this (at least as far as this particular issue goes):

1. Rather than deleting or clarifying a negative comment, a REALTOR will report such comment to the local Board for investigation, and the local Board will investigate within a reasonable time to ascertain that there is no basis to the allegation.

2. Rather than a rule trying to “protect” the reputation of REALTORS, have a rule that burnishes the reputation of REALTORS by holding each other to the highest standards of ethics, excellence, and execution. Being a REALTOR should mean something.

In short, I think REALTORS should be more like golfers (who report their own infractions on their honor, and those who cheat are immediately ostracized from the sport and “polite society”) and less like basketball players (who do Oscar-worthy performances of “WHO ME???” after flagrantly fouling someone).

-rsh

You’re probably right that if one really wanted to, one could pick apart any internal rules of a private organization.

What I find interesting with this one, in particular, however is that it uses overbroad language (“social media”) which is undefined, and the rule imposes an affirmative duty that is going to be awfully hard to police, enforce, etc.

To me a “good” rule is something that when the average reasonable person sees it, she understands what to do and what not to do. “Do not carry firearms onto an airplane” is an example of a good clear rule.

A bad rule is one that leaves folks scratching their head wondering what to do. “Delete or clarify false or misleading comments” is a bad one.

So I’m looking for clarity and clarification on this rule, and if the language of the rule isn’t incredibly precise, this thing will cause problems.

-rsh

You’re probably right that if one really wanted to, one could pick apart any internal rules of a private organization.

What I find interesting with this one, in particular, however is that it uses overbroad language (“social media”) which is undefined, and the rule imposes an affirmative duty that is going to be awfully hard to police, enforce, etc.

To me a “good” rule is something that when the average reasonable person sees it, she understands what to do and what not to do. “Do not carry firearms onto an airplane” is an example of a good clear rule.

A bad rule is one that leaves folks scratching their head wondering what to do. “Delete or clarify false or misleading comments” is a bad one.

So I’m looking for clarity and clarification on this rule, and if the language of the rule isn’t incredibly precise, this thing will cause problems.

-rsh

What would “we” (the agents & brokers of the RE.net) draft if we started over today with a new COE? Would we simplify everything and have 10 General Commandments or create an Encyclopedia of rules and definitions?

These past days and week or so have illustrated many concerns members have with the NAR. What does better look like?

What would “we” (the agents & brokers of the RE.net) draft if we started over today with a new COE? Would we simplify everything and have 10 General Commandments or create an Encyclopedia of rules and definitions?

These past days and week or so have illustrated many concerns members have with the NAR. What does better look like?

Couldn’t we pick apart just about any COE section like this?

With the emergence of such detailed licensing law in most states, I am not sure why a persons fate is still in the hands of their peers, in lieu of the states.

Just seems that agents don’t want to be governed and most would rather watch a mugging than take action.

I just wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for someone to actually even use this standard of practice.

Couldn’t we pick apart just about any COE section like this?

With the emergence of such detailed licensing law in most states, I am not sure why a persons fate is still in the hands of their peers, in lieu of the states.

Just seems that agents don’t want to be governed and most would rather watch a mugging than take action.

I just wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for someone to actually even use this standard of practice.