Following the National Association of REALTORS' passing of its new VOW policy, RE/MAX Mainstreet, the company's extranet, has published a memo from RE/MAX International Chairman and Co-Founder Dave Liniger to RE/MAX brokers and agents complimenting Realty Times' coverage of the VOW issue and linking to three recent Realty Times' stories about VOWs.

"In the midst of all the hoopla about VOWS (Virtual Office Websites), at least one news source - Realty Times - has consistently presented the facts with sincerity, honesty and clarity," says Liniger.

Writes Liniger, "For many months, the VOW issue has been the topic of discussion in our industry. Most of you know that RE/MAX International CEO Daryl Jesperson issued a report to you, the members of RE/MAX, several weeks ago. The RE/MAX position about VOWs has never been in doubt - and it is based on a simple fact - the real estate listing agreement is the asset of the Broker and the listing agent. A "listing" is the work-product of the agent who is licensed under the broker. Only those two parties, with full disclosure to the seller, should determine how the information contained in the listing is to be disseminated - not NAR, not MLS, not RE/MAX International (or any other franchise headquarters), not the RE/MAX Regional office (nor any other regionally strong headquarter operation) - not "anyone" except the listing agent and broker. This is not exactly rocket science, folks.

"We have been amused, irritated and amazed by how some media elect to portray this position of "right to choose" where your work-product information is distributed. Is there a "hidden agenda" somewhere? "Methinks thou dost protest too much ...!"

"But there is a rose among the thorns! A daily industry news source that has taken the high road on VOWs - to actually report the facts. Imagine that!

"All of you are aware of Realty Times (www.realtytimes.com) and some of you read their content faithfully. Some of you don't.

"This memorandum is all about pointing you to the facts about VOWs - and Realty Times has them. We have been so impressed by the sincerity, honesty, clarity and simple approach this service has offered on the VOW issue that we asked them for permission to post three of their articles on RE/MAX Mainstreet and to accompany this memorandum. Guess what? They said, "... Of course you have our permission. Thanks you so much for allowing us to share our articles on your extranet."

"We encourage you to take some time to read all these articles and to visit the Realty Times Web site regularly for updated information on VOWs and other industry issues (www.realtytimes.com)."

The three stories featured at RE/MAX Mainstreet are:

• Why The NAR's VOW Policy With Broker Opt-out Will Pass The Board

• NAR Board Passes Proposed VOW Policy

• VOW Vote Passes, What Really Happened?

Jody Lane, president of Realty Times, says, "We like to write about issues that impact Realtors, and we are glad to be recognized as a news service that addresses issues that are important to Realtors' bottom line."