Previously, I outlined my general understanding of FBS’s Spark Platform and the legal framework it creates. Now, as promised, I’m considering the technology framework. I should warn all readers, … Read more about Spark Platform 3: Understanding the Technology Framework
Pausing for a reflection and an apology (two, actually)
Yesterday, I was part of a panel at Inman Connect about the Future of MLS. As it happens, I did not get to talk about the Spark Platform (about which I’ve made posts here yesterday and the day … Read more about Pausing for a reflection and an apology (two, actually)
Spark Platform Part 2: Explaining the Legal Framework
I explained in my first post about the Spark Platform what its likely benefits would be, but if it’s to be successful it must provide legal, technological, and business-culture frameworks. This post … Read more about Spark Platform Part 2: Explaining the Legal Framework
Can the Spark Platform transform MLS subscriber services?
Tomorrow, I’ll be on a panel with some smart people—Russ Bergeron, Bob Hale, and Merri Jo Cowen—at Inman Connect in San Francisco to offer “a candid look at the technological, legal and business … Read more about Can the Spark Platform transform MLS subscriber services?
IDX makes sense for brokers, even those who won’t syndicate
Rob Hahn has said there is no meaningful difference between IDX and syndication and that he thinks brokers pulling out of syndication are a harbinger of IDX's demise; but I think he’s dead wrong. I’ll … Read more about IDX makes sense for brokers, even those who won’t syndicate
Getty Images, MLSs, and strict liability for copyright infringement
The following is not intended to be legal advice and only describes legal concepts in generalized terms with assumptions about the MLS industry. If you have specific questions regarding your … Read more about Getty Images, MLSs, and strict liability for copyright infringement
More on NAR’s SM/IDX Policy
Victor Lund over at WAV Group has posted suggestions about carrying the NAR SM/IDX discussion further. I discussed this in a previous post. I thought I'd put my comments about Victor's post here.It … Read more about More on NAR’s SM/IDX Policy
New NAR IDX policy proposals (Part 2)
(Got this one under 1,000 words! WOOT!)I noted previously that the changes NAR is proposing to Sections 18.1 through 18.4 of its IDX policy are generally good. (Here are links to my disuccsion of it; … Read more about New NAR IDX policy proposals (Part 2)
Is first-in-time first-in-right? Maybe
MLSs sometimes face the following scenario: Broker A puts a listing record into the MLS relating to 123 Elm Street. Broker B either (a) also puts in a listing record for the same property after Broker … Read more about Is first-in-time first-in-right? Maybe
NAR’s new IDX policy revision proposals
Back in November, I posted proposing that we have an open discussion about social media in IDX. I began the discussion with a long post on December 9, trying to decide what counts as a social media … Read more about NAR’s new IDX policy revision proposals
SM/IDX: What counts as a social media platform?
I proposed back on November 18 that we should have an open discussion about social media and IDX. Enough folks responded here and on Facebook, etc., that they'd like to see the discussion. In later … Read more about SM/IDX: What counts as a social media platform?
Copyright ownership of MLS listings – a refresher
There are new industry grumblings of websites infringing MLS and broker copyrights. We have received several emails regarding the alleged infringement, and I am communicating with one website owner on … Read more about Copyright ownership of MLS listings – a refresher