"Help, I'm Confused. What Web Service Should I Use?"

What's Best of Breed? ... A couple of months ago I received an e-mail from a real estate professional that has been gnawing away at my brain: "Given the vast number of online listing opportunities, it has become increasingly frustrating determining the most effective and reputable online sites. To avoid wasting time ... I need help in determining which sites are worthy and the most productive. Which sites, in your opinion, are the best? Maybe just the top 5?" Of course, you've also got transaction management services, procurement services, contact management services -- the list goes on and on. Which services are best for your firm?

Those of you with long memories will remember that PikeNet used to rate web sites from one to five stars -- not the actual businesses, just sites. And back in the old days (1996-97) there was some legitimacy to such a system because there were so few really good sites. But over time the stars became less meaningful, so I dropped them. Now I'm sensing that we do need a system for differentiating among the hundreds of real estate dot-coms. What do you think? What criteria should we use to evaluate offerings in the various categories? I can't promise that I'll answer every e-mail. Sometimes I just get buried. But I'd love to hear your thoughts.

PikeNet Guide... It's only a tiny step in this direction. But we did put together the PikeNet Guide for attendees at the PikeNet Expo. The Guide includes business descriptions and contact information for almost 175 Internet services. A limited number of copies are available for sale for $150, plus handling. Call (888) 238-0170. Or click here to purchase online.

--Peter Pike