What's going on with Epik and Rob Monster?

MapleDots · Mar 20, 2019

I'm catching the tail end of this, seems to be some kind of controversy...

https://domaingang.com/domain-news/rob-monster-off-twitter-after-christchurch-massacre-controversy/

Must be something odd to evoke this type of a response from one of our members.

frank-germany · Aug 20, 2019

Rob Monster said:
Your paranoia might be showing a bit.

paranoia ?
read this carefully:

What's going on with Epik and Rob Monster?

TCK · Aug 20, 2019

Rob Monster said:
I am not an investigative journalist. I don't claim to be. I run a regi

Then don't falsely claim to be a "truth seeker". You ask conspiratorial questions. That's all. Then set people off and watch like it is some sort of entertainment. If you ask a question (and are serious about it), be man enough to help in the quest for the answer.

A "truth seeker" seeks the truth. You just stated you don't. So don't pretend to be one.

Rob Monster said:
Your paranoia might be showing a bit.

This is the reality. There are warnings issued by countries against travel to the US for this very reason.

This entire thread is filled with paranoia you instigate.

frank-germany · Aug 20, 2019

Rob Monster said:
I am not an investigative journalist. I don't claim to be. I run a registrar and a host and we are a market-maker for domains. That's it. Not complicated.

to me, you act according to this maxim:

"any promotion is good promotion"

TCK · Aug 20, 2019

Rob Monster said:
As for Nazi content, it will sometimes exist on Epik-powered platforms, just as it stands on Wikipedia.

Nope. I haven't seen pro-Nazi content on Wikipedia. Perhaps you can post a link.

Rob Monster said:
I am not an investigative journalist. I don't claim to be. I run a registrar and a host and we are a market-maker for domains. That's it. Not complicated.

This is quite a change in tone from the start of this thread. You were very happy to post all sorts of sensational conspiratorial content and even call into question the veracity of mass shootings. Don't say you did that just because you were bored and wanted to send people down some "rabbit holes" without a shred of evidence?

Mister Funsky · Aug 20, 2019

Took me a while to catch up on the thread and the comments...it looks like the same old posters are doing the same old "omg...how could you say/do this Rob?" tripe. The only thing that comes to mind is the image below every time I get a notice they have posted something.

EDIT: I removed the link to the pic...it was really meant to be more silly than rude. I was just trying to convey it is the same old stuff is getting old and it was almost 'clownish' how it gets revitalized every so often.

TCK · Aug 20, 2019

Mister Funsky said:
Took me a while to catch up on the thread and the comments...it looks like the same old posters are doing the same old "omg

And the same people come to his defense.

Mister Funsky · Aug 20, 2019

TCK said:
And the same people come to his defense.

True, but that is what this type of forum so much fun!

TCK · Aug 21, 2019

Mister Funsky said:
True, but that is what this type of forum so much fun!

I am going to pass the baton over to the popcorn eaters on the sidelines.

Mister Funsky · Aug 21, 2019

TCK said:
I am going to pass the baton over to the popcorn eaters on the sidelines

I will admit I am one of those 'popcorners' with a jump in from time to time...although I do love popcorn, my doc says cottage cheese is a better choice...so I sit here finishing off a 24oz tub as I type.

Ghodeous · Aug 21, 2019

Rob Monster said:
You might want to check that out.

As for Nazi content, it will sometimes exist on Epik-powered platforms, just as it stands on Wikipedia. I personally believe the Holocaust did happen. There are those who think otherwise. Just like flat earth, sometimes it is interesting to understand why people think what they think. And so unless there is incitement of violence or other imminent risk to someone's health or safety, we would usually let it stand.

As for the specific video that you are referencing on Us.Tv, I have not watched it. I candidly have no idea who uploaded it. I did find the same title with the same length also on BitChute.com which is also an Epik client but there too, I would not have any idea about who produced it, or who uploaded it. After you mentioned it, on Sunday I did discuss with the product manager about whether to take it down. Here is what he said:

Show attachment 126926

You can also post videos on Us.Tv about why Christians are mentally challenged, or why someone should become a Muslim, and that video would also be allowed to stand.

Holly Taylor. @Rob Monster, you gotta have a board or panel to make decisions that are too heavy for you. You can't rely on Taylor's bad advice. There is no equivalency about information for denial of the fact that the holocaust happened. Its not information. Its absurdity. But then again it looks like you're doing something about it. Now take the next step and get that thing off your properties.

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

Ghodeous said:
Holly Taylor. @Rob Monster, you gotta have a board or panel to make decisions that are too heavy for you. You can't rely on Taylor's bad advice. There is no equivalency about information for denial of the fact that the holocaust happened. Its not information. Its absurdity. But then again it looks like you're doing something about it. Now take the next step and get that thing off your properties.

The function of the CEO is to assimilate input, make decisions and manage risk. I do that, and am comfortable with my abilities even though some sensibilities may be offended by my allowance for competing views on the Internet.

There is a Board, and there is a very healthy debate in the Boardroom about how to contend with the "free speech" issue. We are not actually a free speech company. We are a commercial enterprise that simply has not bowed down to the SJW Brigade.

In short, the world changed. Epik did not. The world now wants Epik to change to accommodate their newfound intolerance for competing narratives. We are listening to their input but are relatively immune to social pressures, and don't tolerate bullies.

All that said, as discussed separately, I do welcome a robust discussion from well-meaning independent thinkers whose logic and data can help inform the policy and product direction of Epik as a closely-held private company.

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

Mister Funsky said:
True, but that is what this type of forum so much fun!

I actually do think we are having a lot of fun.

Several of the top threads on NP this month are Epik-related. That's cool. This thread with more than 66,000 unique views is the most popular thread on NP in a long time.

I have also asked our staff to be more engaged here and they are responding to that request and are actively listening to the community for feedback.

During August, I sensed an emerging culture of co-creation. I very much do appreciate the community here, including the ones who are apparently annoyed.

And in case you missed it, we are starting a new search for a search engine brand:

https://www.namepros.com/threads/smart-search-engine-opened-again.1150258

We have a lot of great submissions and will run a poll soon.

TCK · Aug 21, 2019

Rob Monster said:
Several of the top threads on NP this month are Epik-related. That's cool. This thread with more than 66,000 unique views is the most popular thread on NP in a long time.

This just goes to show, folks. That this is not about "free speech". That was the niche hook at the start but not now. It's always been about business and exposure. Who gives a rat's behind about who gets hurt or offended. That's all collateral damage as long as unique views get piled up. Well done, Rob. Sleep well tonight.

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

TCK said:
This just goes to show, folks. That this is not about "free speech". That was the niche hook at the start but not now. It's always been about business and exposure. Who gives a rat's behind about who gets hurt or offended. That's all collateral damage as long as unique views get piled up. Well done, Rob. Sleep well tonight.

You miss the point. The vocal, paranoid, minority whines. Meanwhile, the rest of us are just getting things done and making domaining great again.

TCK · Aug 21, 2019

Rob Monster said:
You miss the point. The vocal, paranoid, minority whines. Meanwhile, the rest of us are just getting things done and making domaining great again.

Good for you. Please don't pay attention over here.

DapperJane · Aug 21, 2019

Rob Monster said:
The function of the CEO is to assimilate input, make decisions and manage risk. I do that, and am comfortable with my abilities even though some sensibilities may be offended by my allowance for competing views on the Internet.

There is a Board, and there is a very healthy debate in the Boardroom about how to contend with the "free speech" issue. We are not actually a free speech company. We are a commercial enterprise that simply has not bowed down to the SJW Brigade.

In short, the world changed. Epik did not. The world now wants Epik to change to accommodate their newfound intolerance for competing narratives. We are listening to their input but are relatively immune to social pressures, and don't tolerate bullies.

All that said, as discussed separately, I do welcome a robust discussion from well-meaning independent thinkers whose logic and data can help inform the policy and product direction of Epik as a closely-held private company.

Check your Epik August 6 tweet, the replies include:

Rip Epik, kneel to the feds

There’s free speech or no free speech, period.

You needed a little social pressure to start breaking the promises you made

And so on. Seems some feel differently

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

DapperJane said:
Check your Epik August 6 tweet, the replies include:

Rip Epik, kneel to the feds

There’s free speech or no free speech, period.

You needed a little social pressure to start breaking the promises you made

And so on. Seems some feel differently

We can't please everyone. We try but it is not possible. I believe our position on the need for 8 Chan to have more than 3 moderators for their 1 million active users is a reasonable position to take in the wake of high profile tragedies.

TCK · Aug 21, 2019

Rob Monster said:
We can't please everyone. We try but it is not possible. I believe our position on the need for 8 Chan to have more than 3 moderators for their 1 million active users is a reasonable position to take in the wake of high profile tragedies.

Who are you trying to please? What if 8 Chan gets 1 more moderator so they have 4?

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

TCK said:
Who are you trying to please? What if 8 Chan gets 1 more moderator so they have 4?

8Chan would probably need 100 trained moderators fluent in various languages plus establish a cultural norm to become collectively vigilant. I do believe their management understands the gravity of the situation, particularly in the jury of public opinion. This is why they have elected to stay offline while they review their processes and work with law enforcement and US homeland security.

I do believe it can be done. Gab is doing it and I believe this was a catalyst:

https://gab.com/epik/posts/8989771640261844

That was my opening post after Gab came back online. Since the migration to Mastodon some metadata was lost but what followed was a successful transition from "anarchy" to "personal sovereignty with personal accountability". I am not sure 8Chan's leadership is capable of leading that transition which is why Epik sat on the sidelines while they sorted themselves out. As mentioned elsewhere, I really don't know the site.

TCK · Aug 21, 2019

I feel we need more participation from folks like @DapperJane, who seems to be a "free speech" proponent. I welcome their perspective. I find Rob's take on "free speech" somewhat inconsistent and a little confusing. So it would be good to have insight from people that don't have a business agenda. If such an individual is inclined to post here I would welcome it and encourage everyone to treat that person with respect and reply in a well thought out and articulated post.

oldtimer · Aug 21, 2019

I believe the fact that Rob is so engaged with the domaining community here is a good thing, as more and more domainers become involved with Epik I am sure that they will collectively keep an eye on what is in theirs and Epik's long term interest and advise Rob accordingly. I believe that Rob has already adjusted his thinking and strategy as to not to peruse things that might put the future of Epik at risk. It looks like that Rob is now more interested in expanding Epik's services through input from those here who like to see more innovation in the domain Industry. Now this doesn’t mean that Rob has turned his back on free speech, it just means that he has come to realize that he has to draw the line somewhere specially when it comes to people or groups who want to abuse free speech by stoking violence or encouraging or causing bodily harm to others. IMO

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

oldtimer said:
I believe the fact that Rob is so engaged with the domaining community here is a good thing, as more and more domainers become involved with Epik I am sure that they will collectively keep an eye on what is in theirs and Epik's long term interest and advise Rob accordingly. I believe that Rob has already adjusted his thinking and strategy as to not to peruse things that might put the future of Epik at risk. It looks like that Rob is now more interested in expanding Epik's services through input from those here who like to see more innovation in the domain Industry. Now this doesn’t mean that Rob has turned his back on free speech, it just means that he has come to realize that he has to draw the line somewhere specially when it comes to people or groups who want to abuse free speech by stoking violence or encouraging or causing bodily harm to others. IMO

shorterwinters · Aug 21, 2019

offthehandle · Aug 21, 2019

Neuronootropic.org I see is being protected from Legitscript.com now with Epik and doing essentially the same “infomercial” website as the neuronootropic.com version was taken from the registrant for and which is in still in name.com’s preventative detention. The sites appear similar so probably the same under privacy registrant, or his next door neighbor. Doesnt matter who really.

https://www.namepros.com/threads/legitscript-and-name-com-holding-domains-hostage.1141035/

What I find strange is your support of these questionable web sites for drug sales. I don’t read your bible but I am sure there are a few sins here in condoning going around or dancing around and potentially breaking man’s “laws”, how to info on buying chemicals that are for modifying your brain, etc.

So, you are OK with a registrant making money off Affilliate links to grey area legal-illegal schedule IV restricted or clone drug sales? I know, legitscript and big pharma is evil, and I know, I lack context you said before. This stuff isn’t fish oil or harmless vitamins.

Go to the neuronootropic.org website and see for yourself, it has all sorts of disclaimers and double talk. It actually was well written to stay out of trouble, also blocked it appears on archive.org.

And btw neuronootropic.com was flagged by IBM as a spammer:

https://connect.security.ibm.com/app/threat-intelligence-insights/report/url/neuronootropic.com

Rob Monster · Aug 21, 2019

offthehandle said:
Neuronootropic.org I see is being protected from Legitscript.com now with Epik and doing essentially the same “infomercial” website as the neuronootropic.com version was taken from the registrant for and which is in still in name.com’s preventative detention. The sites appear similar so probably the same under privacy registrant, or his next door neighbor. Doesnt matter who really.

https://www.namepros.com/threads/legitscript-and-name-com-holding-domains-hostage.1141035/

What I find strange is your support of these questionable web sites for drug sales. I don’t read your bible but I am sure there are a few sins here in condoning going around or dancing around and potentially breaking man’s “laws”, how to info on buying chemicals that are for modifying your brain, etc.

So, you are OK with a registrant making money off Affilliate links to grey area legal-illegal schedule IV restricted or clone drug sales? I know, legitscript and big pharma is evil, and I know, I lack context you said before. This stuff isn’t fish oil or harmless vitamins.

Go to the neuronootropic.org website and see for yourself, it has all sorts of disclaimers and double talk. It actually was well written to stay out of trouble, also blocked it appears on archive.org.

And btw neuronootropic.com was flagged by IBM as a spammer:

https://connect.security.ibm.com/app/threat-intelligence-insights/report/url/neuronootropic.com

Read our statement on Legitscript:

https://epik.com/blog/why-i-stood-up-to-legitscript.html

It is simple. We are not here to adjudicate who is or is not promoting or selling efficacious therapies. If there is a court order, we enforce it.

On the other hand, if uninsured citizens can get necessary medications at the same price they would get with their insurance plan, why should we stop them?

For the record, there is very little profit in these customers. They register few names. They use them and we get harassed by Legitscript and their ilk or their proxies.

What's going on with Epik and Rob Monster?

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