Armchair Quarterbacks in the Blogosphere
June 28th, 2007 by Rich JacobsonMy family and I lived in the Midwest for 15 years, 5 of that was in Chicago. We moved there shortly after the Bears had won the Super Bowl with the likes of Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, and William “The Refrigerator” Perry.
In the seasons that ensued, the Bears struggled to find the right fit at the quaterback position (
there’s been 24 players who have taken the snap between McMahon and Grossman).
During our time in the Windy City, the debate was raging between Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomczak. Never before in the history of spectator sports have so many fair weather fans and critics hotly voiced their vast wealth of expertise and knowledge by second-guessing the decisions of Coach Ditka and the boys up in the front office. Who better to pass judgment on the professionals disciplined in the skill of football than those who, week after week, sat wedged in the comforting confines of their Lazy Boy recliners, sucking down ice cold brewskis and stuffing their faces with smoked brats?
In similar fashion, the Blogosphere has long been the breeding ground for such self-proclaimed ‘Armchair Quarterbacks.’ Anyone with a blog, an expanded vocabulary, and a condescending attitude gains immediate credibility as an expert in any field, profession, or discipline. Subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, or quote the latest market trends from the Economist or Fast Company, and your opinions carry even more weight.
Nevermind that these ’Armchair Bloggers’ have never actually ’played’ the game. Oh, to be sure, they’ve probably watched a few times from their sheltered corporate skyboxes while sipping on the lastest trendy microbrew. Most are obviously quite intelligent, possessing a basic understanding of the rules. Heck, some are even well-versed in the latest team/player stats.
But the fact still remains, they’ve never really actually played the game.
Playing any sport well requires commitment, knowledge, discipline, lots of hard work, and practice. This is especially true in the realm of professional sports. Or, perhaps, even with a career in, say, real estate, for example. Personally, I wouldn’t presume to know enough about being an NFL quarterback that I would be willing to step in for Hasselback at Qwest Field on a Sunday afternoon. And I certainly don’t think I’m qualified to critcize him for throwing an occasional interception, or blaming him when the team doesn’t win.
It’s not Matt’s fault that a domestic beer costs $6.50 a bottle, or that buying a ticket to watch him play requires an arm, a leg, and my firstborn child.
A good friend of mine flies for Alaska Airlines. He’s a retired Navy pilot. Over years and years of commitment, acquiring knowledge, exercising discipline, consistent hard work, and practice, he’s become a very successful and accomplished commercial pilot. He’s responsible for the lives of hundreds of people everyday. Now, even though I have a fairly good understanding about the law of aerodynamics, I would never begin to think of critcizing the way he handles a 737. It’s not his fault that my flight last January went to LA, but my bags ended up in Phoenix. Do I write him a nasty gram every time the plane is late leaving the gate? Or do I verbally flog him over the fact that I have to refinance my house to buy a round trip ticket, and only get a small packet of stale peanuts?
But, hey, what do I know? I’m just a licensed, professional real estate agent here on the Kitsap Peninsula WA. I can’t control the market, whether the bubble is bursting or homes aren’t affordable. I just work hard at genuinely and relentlessly representing the best interests of my client’s to the very utmost of my abilities, through constant continuing education, discipline, hard work, and daily practice, helping them to successfully achieve their Next Adventure in Life!
As much as I truly enjoy my chosen vocation as a licensed real estate agent with Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, here on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State, there are times when I need a reprieve from the stress, a moment to escape, to find solace amidst the majestic splendor of the Pacific Northwest.
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Many of the people who responded did so from a negative ‘fall-out’ viewpoint – one of those ‘half-empty/half-full’ kind of deals. I tended to see the brighter side of the equation. What if the Listing were one the best things to hit the market since HDTV? What if it was an amazing value amidst a sea of over-inflated inventory? Would the competiting Broker, Listing Agent, and Sellers all call to complain that I was using my blog to positively promote the sale of the home?
This was one of those homes you see on tour that leaves you speechless. Situated on 5 private acres in the highly desirable
Bridle Tree gated community, this classic contemporary home fills you with awe and wonder as you roam the nearly 6,000 square feet of luxury living.
Make some popcorn and enjoy a movie night in the Media Room flooded with 6-way Stereo Surround System.
It’s always interesting to me how these terms can take on a whole new meaning when, as licensed real estate professionals, we actually encounter them in the real world.
Steven called me at my office and asked me for an interview. He had found me through here on 
