After taking time to reflect on the feedback shared—both through the comment function and from members who reached out directly—it is clear that open dialogue is valued.
Providing a place for discussion on topics that affect members is ultimately the reason comments were enabled in CREB®Talk and CREB®Link. As we move forward, it’s equally important that we are clear about the shared role we all play in protecting the quality and professionalism of those conversations.
Why comment guidelines matter
CREB®Talk and CREB®Link are professional platforms intended to support open, respectful conversation among REALTORS®. Commenting is not about agreement, it’s about contributing perspectives in a way that advances understanding, dialogue, and trust within our membership.
To facilitate these discussions, we have comment guidelines that are designed to:
- Encourage diverse viewpoints shared respectfully
- Ensure conversations remain constructive, professional, and relevant
These guidelines apply consistently—whether a comment is supportive, critical, or questioning.
What our comment guidelines say (and what they mean)
In practical terms, comments should:
- Focus on ideas, issues, or decisions—not individuals
- Be professional in tone and language, even when expressing disagreement
- Avoid assumptions about motives, character, or intent
- Contribute meaningfully to the topic being discussed
Comments do not need to be complimentary or supportive—but they do need to be respectful, factual, and appropriate for a professional audience.
Occasionally, comments may be removed. This is not about silencing dissent—it is about upholding shared professional standards. A comment may be removed if it:
- Is personal, derogatory, or accusatory
- Discredits or targets identifiable individuals or groups
- Contains inflammatory, defamatory, or harmful language
- Moves from expressing an opinion into speculation or allegation
- Undermines respectful dialogue or the credibility of the forum
The decision to remove a comment is made with great care and with the goal of maintaining a space where all members feel safe to participate.
These expectations are not new. They are grounded in existing professional obligations:
- CREB® Rule 5.01 – Member Communication requires members to be solely responsible for the content they transmit and prohibits communications that are unlawful, harassing, defamatory, abusive, misleading, or harmful in nature.
- Article 21 of the REALTOR® Code – Conduct Unbecoming establishes that REALTORS® must not engage in conduct that is unprofessional or unbecoming of the profession—even outside the direct provision of real estate services.
Together, these standards reinforce the importance of professionalism, accountability, and respect in all member communications.
A practical example: Questionable vs. constructive
The example below shows how framing and word choice can help ensure comments are constructive, professional, and aligned with our shared expectations.
Questionable comment:
“This rule change is stupid and clearly shows that the people making these decisions don’t understand how we actually work.”
Why this is problematic:
While the comment reflects frustration, it shifts from critiquing the rule itself to attacking the intelligence and competence of those involved. Labeling the rule as “stupid” and questioning intent or capability personalizes the issue and can shut down productive dialogue.
Reframed constructive comment:
“I’m concerned that this new rule may create unintended challenges in day to day practice. I’d appreciate more insight into the rationale behind it and whether practical day to day impacts were considered.”
Why this works:
This version raises the same concern but does so in a respectful, issue focused way. It avoids inflammatory language, invites explanation, and creates space for discussion—supporting a more productive and professional exchange.
Our shared responsibility
The strength of CREB®Talk and CREB®Link depends on all of us. Open dialogue and professionalism are not competing values—they are mutually reinforcing.
We encourage members to:
- Speak up
- Ask questions
- Share perspectives
- Challenge ideas respectfully
By doing so, we maintain a forum that reflects the professionalism of REALTORS® and supports healthy, productive dialogue for the entire membership.
Our industry reflects a wide range of perspectives, and it’s natural that members will not always agree with every decision or direction taken by CREB®. A key responsibility of the organization is to thoughtfully balance these diverse views in its decision-making. All viewpoints are valued and carefully considered, even when the final decision ultimately takes a different path.
Thank you for continuing to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.
{ 5 comments…}