Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
http://bit.ly/88L3El The only way to know that a market has hit rock bottom is when you look back after its rebounded. We are in that rebound now. If you're still not convinced, you will be able to proceed with confidence once you digest the facts and utilize them with these negotiating skills...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A blogpost to keep for valuable Palm Springs real estate info. Also included a chart of changes to Homebuyer Tax Credit. http://ping.fm/MrhyP
Friday, November 06, 2009
Palm Springs Events for November includes Pride Festival
Looking for some of the more interesting events occurring in the desert during November? Well here you have it.
SAVE THE DATES to the Hottest special events occurring in the Palm Springs area:
November 7-8, 2009
Palm Springs Pride Festival
LGBT event with food, entertainment, dancing, vendors and parade (Nov. 8 on Palm Canyon Drive). Palm Springs Baseball Stadium, Sunrise ark. 760-416-8711; pspride.org
While enjoying the Festival, why not have a look at our Just Reduced Palm Springs Modern home just steps from downtown Palm Springs. Call us for an appointment:
November 13-14, 2009
3rd Annual Palm Springs Playboy Golf Scramble at Eagle Falls Golf Course located at Fantsay Springs Resort Casino
November 14-15, 2009
9th Annual Rancho Mirage Art Affaire, Admission is Free, art and jazz festival at Whitewater Park located at 71-500 San Jacinto Drive in Rancho Mirage.
Here are two more fabulous homes in Rancho Mirage that have also been reduced to sell:
On-Going Weekly Events:
Wednesdays
Certified Farmers Market. Produce from local farmers, flowers, honey, olive oil, cheese and bread. Palm Desert Visitor Center, 72567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert. 8 am to 12:30 pm.
Thursdays
Villagefest, Arts and craft vendors, flowers, farmers market, food vendors and entertainment, October through May, downtown Palm Springs. 7 to 10 pm.
Saturdays and Sundays
College of the Desert Street Fair. Clothing, accessories, house goods, gift items, farmers market, food vendors and entertainment. College of the Desert, 43500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert, 7 am to 2 pm.
SAVE THE DATES to the Hottest special events occurring in the Palm Springs area:
November 7-8, 2009
Palm Springs Pride Festival
LGBT event with food, entertainment, dancing, vendors and parade (Nov. 8 on Palm Canyon Drive). Palm Springs Baseball Stadium, Sunrise ark. 760-416-8711; pspride.org
While enjoying the Festival, why not have a look at our Just Reduced Palm Springs Modern home just steps from downtown Palm Springs. Call us for an appointment:
November 13-14, 2009
3rd Annual Palm Springs Playboy Golf Scramble at Eagle Falls Golf Course located at Fantsay Springs Resort Casino
November 14-15, 2009
9th Annual Rancho Mirage Art Affaire, Admission is Free, art and jazz festival at Whitewater Park located at 71-500 San Jacinto Drive in Rancho Mirage.
Here are two more fabulous homes in Rancho Mirage that have also been reduced to sell:
On-Going Weekly Events:
Wednesdays
Certified Farmers Market. Produce from local farmers, flowers, honey, olive oil, cheese and bread. Palm Desert Visitor Center, 72567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert. 8 am to 12:30 pm.
Thursdays
Villagefest, Arts and craft vendors, flowers, farmers market, food vendors and entertainment, October through May, downtown Palm Springs. 7 to 10 pm.
Saturdays and Sundays
College of the Desert Street Fair. Clothing, accessories, house goods, gift items, farmers market, food vendors and entertainment. College of the Desert, 43500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert, 7 am to 2 pm.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
http://ping.fm/uSSqd
With the Palm Springs area home market stabilizing, now is the perfect time to purchase vacation homes (or trade up) here, especially for Canadians, with the value of the Canadian dollar (Loonie) essentially on par with the US dollar!
With the Palm Springs area home market stabilizing, now is the perfect time to purchase vacation homes (or trade up) here, especially for Canadians, with the value of the Canadian dollar (Loonie) essentially on par with the US dollar!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Social Media: A Game Changer!
For anyone who is still arguing that they "don't have time to hear about someone eating a sandwich on Twitter", the video below will be an eye-opener. Twitter and many other social media sites are today's broadcast outlets, but now we are not being spoken to as much as we are sharing information with each other. Information about anything and everything...and at anytime we care to get it, 24/7.
Greysha and I are members of over 40 social networking sites and many of them are linked to each other. They all offer something different and are complementary. You can find a consolidated list of most of these sites we utilize at Retaggr.com. Join us on any or all of them.
From a real estate marketing point of view, it is ridiculous to continue to depend upon print ads when so many major newspapers are moving to electronic distribution. With 85% of home buyers searching online before they get into their cars to visit property with a Realtor, we are confident that we are on the right track and we're pleased to again be at the forefront of change.
Check out this video...and contact us today!
Greysha and I are members of over 40 social networking sites and many of them are linked to each other. They all offer something different and are complementary. You can find a consolidated list of most of these sites we utilize at Retaggr.com. Join us on any or all of them.
From a real estate marketing point of view, it is ridiculous to continue to depend upon print ads when so many major newspapers are moving to electronic distribution. With 85% of home buyers searching online before they get into their cars to visit property with a Realtor, we are confident that we are on the right track and we're pleased to again be at the forefront of change.
Check out this video...and contact us today!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
"Mission Accomplished": Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, CA
Mission Hills Country Club, the club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., sealed its reputation as a world-class tennis destination after being named 2009 Outstanding Facility for large private facilities and Featured Facility of the Year, the USTA's top trophy in the category. The Club is also a renown golf resort and host to the Kraft-Nabisco Tournament.
Located in the geographic center of the Palm Springs Valley, 10 miles from Palm Springs to the Northwest and Indio to the Southwest, Rancho Mirage lies in a sheltered cove, spreading its green carpet across the desert floor.
Mission Hills Country Club is in the presitigious city of Rancho Mirage. Often referred to as “Playground of the Presidents”, scores of corporate presidents and other chief executive officers come from everywhere to relax. A world class resort and residential community characterized by high quality planned residential golf course developments.
In 2003 Rancho Mirage was named the best resort town in the world by the London Imperial Traveler Magazine. In partnership with Rancho Mirage Resorts, the city has created a tourism website www.RelaxRanchoMirage.com providing detailed information about the destination and links to Rancho Mirage resorts.
Being a homeowner in Rancho Mirage has many advantages. Property values tend to be higher than in most of the other valley cities, partly because of the city’s central location, exclusive country clubs with elegantly designed golf courses and distinctive neighborhoods.
For more information, "All You Need Is (Stephen & Greysha) Love" for Palm Springs area real estate.
Click on the link below for the entire story:
Mission Accomplished | Private Clubs Magazine
Shared via AddThis
Located in the geographic center of the Palm Springs Valley, 10 miles from Palm Springs to the Northwest and Indio to the Southwest, Rancho Mirage lies in a sheltered cove, spreading its green carpet across the desert floor.
Mission Hills Country Club is in the presitigious city of Rancho Mirage. Often referred to as “Playground of the Presidents”, scores of corporate presidents and other chief executive officers come from everywhere to relax. A world class resort and residential community characterized by high quality planned residential golf course developments.
In 2003 Rancho Mirage was named the best resort town in the world by the London Imperial Traveler Magazine. In partnership with Rancho Mirage Resorts, the city has created a tourism website www.RelaxRanchoMirage.com providing detailed information about the destination and links to Rancho Mirage resorts.
Being a homeowner in Rancho Mirage has many advantages. Property values tend to be higher than in most of the other valley cities, partly because of the city’s central location, exclusive country clubs with elegantly designed golf courses and distinctive neighborhoods.
For more information, "All You Need Is (Stephen & Greysha) Love" for Palm Springs area real estate.
Click on the link below for the entire story:
Mission Accomplished | Private Clubs Magazine
Shared via AddThis
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Water, Water Everywhere?
Today we have water on the brain (as a topic, not hyrdroencephalitis). Make sure you also check out our next post regarding how Kangen Water may improve your longevity and quality of life (especially in conjunction with the desert resort lifestyle...LOL).
In February of this year, the Governor of California declared a state emergency due to drought. “ …California faces its third consecutive year of drought and we must prepare for the worst,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said. As of this writing, the state has not issued a mandatory water rationing order, but asks that the residents of California participate in a voluntary reduction. With the summer months ahead, the drought is even more cause for concern. Lawns and gardens will be watered more often, more cars will be washed; essentially the hose will replace the rain. By adjusting their lifestyle a bit, homeowners can reduce water waste -- and save a buck on the monthly water bill. Here’s how:
1. “Plant” Synthetic Grass
If you are thinking about planting a new lawn this year, know that AstroTurf is back. This is not the same kind of artificial turf you think of when you reminisce about the Brady Bunch’s backyard. Synthetic grass actually looks like grass, and it does not need a drop of water to maintain its lush green color. An additional bonus is that you’ll never have to mow the lawn again.
2. Water Efficiently
Residential properties are regularly overwatered by 30 to 40 percent (http://www.stopwaste.org). Learn how to water your lawn efficiently and at the correct time of day. For example, watering your lawn either in the late evening or early morning reduces evaporation.
3. Go to a Car Wash
Using a running hose to wash a car uses up to 150 gallons of water. Most car washes use about five to 10 gallons of water per car (http://www.epa.gov/). In addition, the water used to wash a car in a driveway goes from the street gutter straight to bay or rivers without being treated. Car washes must treat their water before it enters the water system. Many car washes also recycle graywater, keeping the environment clean and conserving at the same time.
4. Use a Broom
Running a garden hose can waste up to 10 gallons per minute (http://conserve.sfwater.org) and is unnecessary when cleaning a driveway or sidewalk. The water from a garden hose also contributes to the pollutant waters already abundant in sewer systems.
5. Check for Leaking Sprinklers and Hoses
A leaky faucet can waste 100 gallons a day (http://www.sscwd.org/), which includes outdoor systems. Check for and replace leaking hoses or sprinklers. Place automatic water shut-off nozzles on any hoses.
6. Keep a Rain Collection Barrel
During a 1-inch rain, 625 gallons of water can be collected from 1,000 square feet of roof (http://www.stopwaste.org). Rainwater can be channeled through gutters and downspouts to a storage unit, which can then be used to water lawns and gardens.
7. Plant Mulch
Planting a layer of mulch around trees and plants, such as chunks of bark, peat moss or gravel slows down evaporation. By doing so, 750 to 1,500 gallons of water can be saved a month (http://www.mwdh2o.com/).
8. Grow Native Plants
As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), native plants, also called indigenous plants, are plants that have evolved over thousands of years in a particular region. Native plants are drought-resistant, require fewer pesticides than lawns (another plus for the environment), and require less water to maintain their natural beauty.
If you want to find more ways to conserve water both inside and outside, check out this non-profit Web site: http://www.h2ouse.org/tour/index.cfm. It’s geared for homeowners to research room by room in their home for better ways to conserve water. To read about the drought in California, visit the state government’s website http://www.saveourh2o.org/ for more information.
In February of this year, the Governor of California declared a state emergency due to drought. “ …California faces its third consecutive year of drought and we must prepare for the worst,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said. As of this writing, the state has not issued a mandatory water rationing order, but asks that the residents of California participate in a voluntary reduction. With the summer months ahead, the drought is even more cause for concern. Lawns and gardens will be watered more often, more cars will be washed; essentially the hose will replace the rain. By adjusting their lifestyle a bit, homeowners can reduce water waste -- and save a buck on the monthly water bill. Here’s how:
1. “Plant” Synthetic Grass
If you are thinking about planting a new lawn this year, know that AstroTurf is back. This is not the same kind of artificial turf you think of when you reminisce about the Brady Bunch’s backyard. Synthetic grass actually looks like grass, and it does not need a drop of water to maintain its lush green color. An additional bonus is that you’ll never have to mow the lawn again.
2. Water Efficiently
Residential properties are regularly overwatered by 30 to 40 percent (http://www.stopwaste.org). Learn how to water your lawn efficiently and at the correct time of day. For example, watering your lawn either in the late evening or early morning reduces evaporation.
3. Go to a Car Wash
Using a running hose to wash a car uses up to 150 gallons of water. Most car washes use about five to 10 gallons of water per car (http://www.epa.gov/). In addition, the water used to wash a car in a driveway goes from the street gutter straight to bay or rivers without being treated. Car washes must treat their water before it enters the water system. Many car washes also recycle graywater, keeping the environment clean and conserving at the same time.
4. Use a Broom
Running a garden hose can waste up to 10 gallons per minute (http://conserve.sfwater.org) and is unnecessary when cleaning a driveway or sidewalk. The water from a garden hose also contributes to the pollutant waters already abundant in sewer systems.
5. Check for Leaking Sprinklers and Hoses
A leaky faucet can waste 100 gallons a day (http://www.sscwd.org/), which includes outdoor systems. Check for and replace leaking hoses or sprinklers. Place automatic water shut-off nozzles on any hoses.
6. Keep a Rain Collection Barrel
During a 1-inch rain, 625 gallons of water can be collected from 1,000 square feet of roof (http://www.stopwaste.org). Rainwater can be channeled through gutters and downspouts to a storage unit, which can then be used to water lawns and gardens.
7. Plant Mulch
Planting a layer of mulch around trees and plants, such as chunks of bark, peat moss or gravel slows down evaporation. By doing so, 750 to 1,500 gallons of water can be saved a month (http://www.mwdh2o.com/).
8. Grow Native Plants
As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), native plants, also called indigenous plants, are plants that have evolved over thousands of years in a particular region. Native plants are drought-resistant, require fewer pesticides than lawns (another plus for the environment), and require less water to maintain their natural beauty.
If you want to find more ways to conserve water both inside and outside, check out this non-profit Web site: http://www.h2ouse.org/tour/index.cfm. It’s geared for homeowners to research room by room in their home for better ways to conserve water. To read about the drought in California, visit the state government’s website http://www.saveourh2o.org/ for more information.
Friday, June 19, 2009
PALM SPRINGS TWITTER (AND OTHER INFO)
When we first moved to Rancho Mirage (just outside Palm Springs), we knew that we were arriving in a world renown resort with abundant sunshine and comparatively affordable homes from modest to ultra-luxury. What we weren't as prepared for is the cornucopia of social and recreational possibilities far beyond plentiful golf and tennis.
Over the coming weeks, we will explore the Coachella Valley's many amenities in each of its cities (including Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio). Follow us and interact with us on this blog and Twitter
To begin, there's Palm Springs' street fair called VillageFest, the Aerial Tramway, Art Museum and Air Museum. Hiking and biking trails, gyms and an array of exercise possibilities. What about the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens to see the magnificent display of the desert's natural habitat. Want some culture? Try the McCallum and Annenberg Theatre. Check out El Paseo (the desert's answer to Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive) for its many shops and restaurants. Feeling philanthropic? This area probably has more charity causes and events then anywhere. Need some cash for those charities? Try one of several area casinos and, while there, catch one of the big acts that is always being featured. Maybe some more mental stimulation? There's the College of the Desert and the Palm Desert campus of USC Riverside for courses. Or some spiritual awakening at The Enlightened Path. Too much work? Head off to one of the many incredible spas rather than visiting the state of the art Eisenhower Hospital or Betty Ford Center, as great as the are (LOL!). In addition, there's the Coachell Valley Music & Arts Festival, Palm Springs Film Festivals, Kraft-Nabisco Golf Tournament, LG Skins Game, White Party and much more.
We've included a few videos (below) which will provide a sense of the "Every Thing Under The Sun"
Please check in with us on this blog and Love Palm Springs Homes
Check all listings at Our Website
Over the coming weeks, we will explore the Coachella Valley's many amenities in each of its cities (including Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio). Follow us and interact with us on this blog and Twitter
To begin, there's Palm Springs' street fair called VillageFest, the Aerial Tramway, Art Museum and Air Museum. Hiking and biking trails, gyms and an array of exercise possibilities. What about the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens to see the magnificent display of the desert's natural habitat. Want some culture? Try the McCallum and Annenberg Theatre. Check out El Paseo (the desert's answer to Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive) for its many shops and restaurants. Feeling philanthropic? This area probably has more charity causes and events then anywhere. Need some cash for those charities? Try one of several area casinos and, while there, catch one of the big acts that is always being featured. Maybe some more mental stimulation? There's the College of the Desert and the Palm Desert campus of USC Riverside for courses. Or some spiritual awakening at The Enlightened Path. Too much work? Head off to one of the many incredible spas rather than visiting the state of the art Eisenhower Hospital or Betty Ford Center, as great as the are (LOL!). In addition, there's the Coachell Valley Music & Arts Festival, Palm Springs Film Festivals, Kraft-Nabisco Golf Tournament, LG Skins Game, White Party and much more.
We've included a few videos (below) which will provide a sense of the "Every Thing Under The Sun"
Please check in with us on this blog and Love Palm Springs Homes
Check all listings at Our Website
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
All You Need is Love
Sometimes something comes along that needs to be shared for its profound message. If you haven't seen this, consider it a gift from Greysha and me. Click on the link below or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Introducing our "Palm Springs California Real Estate" Blog!
Y'know, I was thinking about my Palm Springs California Real Estate blog of yesterday, where I was exclaiming about the myriad entertainment and recreation opportunities in the Palm Springs California desert area. As you can tell, we really do love living and working in this resort area only a two hour drive from the major cities in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties. Besides the abundant activities, there is no better place to just relax. I got so enthralled with describing some of our lifesytle here that I overlooked our announcement that we are so excited about!
We are very pleased to announce our corresponding blog at www.palmspringsgreathome.com, called "Palm Springs California Real Estate" (imagine that!). This blog is offered as your one-stop resource for all things real estate in this Coachella Valley. Over a short time, we will continue to add many features that we think you'll find very useful. Using cutting edge technology, you'll soon be able to search, research and "virtually see" your neighborhood and backyard of your prosective home before we see meet and walk through the door. We also welcome questions and comments about home buying and selling in Palm Springs and the surrounding area.
Please visit us today and often at our new blog and interact with us. Use that information to find your perfect home and then add the information you'll find on this site about the social and recreation goings-on in the area to complement your experience and fully enjoy and relax in your new Palm Springs home!
We are very pleased to announce our corresponding blog at www.palmspringsgreathome.com, called "Palm Springs California Real Estate" (imagine that!). This blog is offered as your one-stop resource for all things real estate in this Coachella Valley. Over a short time, we will continue to add many features that we think you'll find very useful. Using cutting edge technology, you'll soon be able to search, research and "virtually see" your neighborhood and backyard of your prosective home before we see meet and walk through the door. We also welcome questions and comments about home buying and selling in Palm Springs and the surrounding area.
Please visit us today and often at our new blog and interact with us. Use that information to find your perfect home and then add the information you'll find on this site about the social and recreation goings-on in the area to complement your experience and fully enjoy and relax in your new Palm Springs home!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Follow Us In Palm Springs California
One of the greatest things about living in a resort destination is the variety of social events and activities year 'round. This fact is punctuated by the eye-popping affordability of a diverse range of Palm Springs California Real Estate
This week (March 31st to April 5th) marks the 38th year of the LPGA Kraft Nabisco Championship being held at Mission Hills Country Club (in Rancho Mirage, California (near Palm Springs) on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course. Designed by Desmond Muirhead, this course is no stranger to being ranked number one in the Coachella Valley. During the 2009 tournament, Mission Hills will host more than 100 of the best woman golfers in the world, including 2008 Champion Lorena Ochoa.
Mission Hills Country Club is rich in tradition and epitomizes a private club. Unsurpassed golf, tennis and fitness and spa facilities create a truly world class country club experience. As one of the most prestigious clubs in the Coachella Valley, Mission Hills Country Club is also the centerpiece of a community of single family homes and condos built on approximately 1760-acres of some of the most magnificent land in the desert.
Did I mention that we also live and sell real estate in Mission Hills? We'll leave that for another day. Right now we're going to enjoy the golf tournament and keep all our friends up to speed on the events via our Twitter (loveofthedesert) and Facebook (Stephen C. Love)streams. Follow us as we observe the tournament and move into exploring a variety of wonderful adventures as diverse as sports (unbelievable hiking and other outdooor activities) to theatre, charity functions for every imaginable worthwhile cause (this area has some very generous people), the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in mid-April (Paul McCartney is headlining!) and much more. Hey, let us know if you want a schedule of the events...and maybe you'll decide to check it out with us.
This week (March 31st to April 5th) marks the 38th year of the LPGA Kraft Nabisco Championship being held at Mission Hills Country Club (in Rancho Mirage, California (near Palm Springs) on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course. Designed by Desmond Muirhead, this course is no stranger to being ranked number one in the Coachella Valley. During the 2009 tournament, Mission Hills will host more than 100 of the best woman golfers in the world, including 2008 Champion Lorena Ochoa.
Mission Hills Country Club is rich in tradition and epitomizes a private club. Unsurpassed golf, tennis and fitness and spa facilities create a truly world class country club experience. As one of the most prestigious clubs in the Coachella Valley, Mission Hills Country Club is also the centerpiece of a community of single family homes and condos built on approximately 1760-acres of some of the most magnificent land in the desert.
Did I mention that we also live and sell real estate in Mission Hills? We'll leave that for another day. Right now we're going to enjoy the golf tournament and keep all our friends up to speed on the events via our Twitter (loveofthedesert) and Facebook (Stephen C. Love)streams. Follow us as we observe the tournament and move into exploring a variety of wonderful adventures as diverse as sports (unbelievable hiking and other outdooor activities) to theatre, charity functions for every imaginable worthwhile cause (this area has some very generous people), the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in mid-April (Paul McCartney is headlining!) and much more. Hey, let us know if you want a schedule of the events...and maybe you'll decide to check it out with us.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tax Credit for Home Buyers Only Part Of The Solution
What if a Home Seller considered buying Supplemental Unemployment Insurance policy for the Buyer? Let's get a blog dialogue going about this idea. With interest rates at near historic lows, inventory plentiful and prices reduced, only fear of job loss can present buyers with any reasonable justification to wait. What do you think?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Palm Springs Friends Connect With Google Friend Connect
Who else wants to make new friends using Google's new Google Friend Connect social networking?
Google is quietly rolling out its own Google social network using Google Friend Connect on blogs everywhere.
It is really easy to use, very secure and feature laden. What's better yet is you don't have to join any new sites.
Start by creating a Gmail account. This Gmail address will be public on both your profile and to any friends you make thru Google's social network and in Google Friend Connect. Choose wisely and use your real name.
This is not some Zoo like MySpace or a spamfest like Facebook. This is real people that you really know or want to know.
Once you have a Gmail email address set up or you choose to use an existing Gmail address the rest is easy.
Follow the instructions and start by creating a Google profile and add a picture of yourself.
Look at the Google Friend Connect widget on the top right of this blog or the new version, the Google social bar at the bottom.
Next, click the "join" button and you you will be added to the Friend Connect widget and you will see your picture appear in the members listed there.
The site will show as one of the sites you have joined in your profile and any friends you make in any Google Friend Connect widget will also appear in the widget as "friends."
How do you make Google Social Networking Friends?
Next, click a member's avatar in the Friend Connect widget and you will be presented with a "+add as friend" link. Click that link and you can add the person to your friends list.
When you do that and the person you are friending accepts the request, their contact information will be added to both your Gmail contacts under the Gmail address you were logged in under and if you choose to turn it on, Gchat in Gmail and Gtalk if you use the stand alone client.
Why Google Friend Connect Kicks Facebook Butt
The results of adding Google Friend Connect friends I described above is much like any social network but here is the difference.
Rather than having a bunch of social sites that you get tons of "Join My Group" spam like requests from, you manage your friends thru Gmail. Just one interface your probably use every day since Gmail is a very slick email application.
Send a bunch of spammy email to your friends and very quickly you will find that Gmail address gone. Send a bunch of links to your friends for some MLM site and you will find that site gets blocked fast by Gmail spam filters. You will also find you don't have any friends anymore either.
Also, Google is very much about mutual two way relationships here. They are not going to let this degenerate into a spam fest, complete with all the ramifications that you probably know well.
You can't just go around adding friends willy nilly and then send them a bunch of Gmail spam. Until you accept a friend request, neither parties get the Gmail address of the other. Pretty good job there Google.
Don't want that friend anymore? Just delete their Gmail address from contacts and they are no more. Bye bye, easily done.
Google is going to take this humble start and turn all of the various Google properties into one big social network. So all the friends you make thru the widget will be portable, not just to any blog using Google Friend Connect, but every application that Google provides.
I am very excited about what is coming here, and the early adopters will profit from this as you build large friends lists across any blog and all the Google applications.
How can you and your friends and family use this?
This is not some marketing promotion, this can be used for families to stay in touch, neighborhood friends or how about a grade school group of parents?
You can interact anywhere on the web with these friends and you don't need a website to go with it. If you want one you can build one for free on Blogger.com just like I did.
How about a family blog that keeps distant family members in touch with each other?
How about a work blog that keeps employees in touch and allows them to share information and projects?
How about a business blog that allows readers to share and comment on current news and blog content?
The options are endless and I am sure many of you will come up with your own exciting ideas using Google Friend Connect.
You can learn even more thru this Google Friend Connect turotial.
If you come up with something you would like to share here, contact me and I will be glad to let others know how you used Google Friend Connect.
Happy Friend Connecting! - Stephen Love
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