A goodbye post.

[S-B]

After 3 years, I think it might finally be time to take a step back from the domain industry. I will be liquidating most of my portfolio in the coming weeks. I would be willing to make myself available for some individual consultations but I will largely be focusing on other projects.

There are 2 things that I think are worth emphasizing before I go:

1. This industry needs to change. There are too many leaches. Everyone is trying to sell something that you don't need. Realize that free isn't free and most paid products are not needed. Some tools are worth the subscription fee but most domainer to domainer services and products are crap.
2. There are too many domain "gods." Sure, they have made some money but look deep enough and you'll quickly learn that most know only a little more than you. They are just good at gift wrapping crap. Stop following and start leading.

So if you want a free piece of advice or would like to know about my hopes, dreams, and aspirations... post below. I'm an open book.

Otherwise, it's been fun.

 

[S-B]

Best of luck Shane, I am sure you learned a lot from the domain biz that you will be able to put to good use on the Internet.

Thanks! Definitely some valuable lessons.

 

[DNGear]

Best of luck Shane.

 

[neostar]

@Shane Bellone Sad to know that you are leaving.
Do write a book about your domaining experiences. I bet it wud be a great read.
Cheers!!
Btw I too will be in the US for masters, this fall.

 

[S-B]

Best of luck Shane.

Thanks!

@Shane Bellone Sad to know that you are leaving.
Do write a book about your domaining experiences. I bet it wud be a great read.
Cheers!!
Btw I too will be in the US for masters, this fall.

Awesome! What are you studying?

 

[DomainVP]

The domain game is a priceless education few will ever learn or experience.

You did it, and you did it well.

 

[S-B]

The domain game is a priceless education few will ever learn or experience.

You did it, and you did it well.

Thanks. I worked my ass off. Glad my dedication showed.

 

[deflee79]

Best of luck Shane! You have made great contributions to the forum/industry and helped so many people along the way!

 

[S-B]

Best of luck Shane! You have made great contributions to the forum/industry and helped so many people along the way!

Thank you. That means a lot!

 

[deflee79]

BTW.. If you do decide to make a comeback..make sure your beard has reached at least saintly status!

 

[TheWatcher]

Best of luck Shane Bellone.

 

[900Worldwide]

We have not spoken to one another much but your presence will be missed.. Best of luck!

 

[S-B]

Best of luck Shane Bellone.

We have not spoken to one another much but your presence will be missed.. Best of luck!

Thank you both.

 

[ImageAuthors]

Stepping back is a good thing, Shane. It should be everybody's goal.

Domaining only exists because there are better things to do, more important projects to work on ... with domains or without them. That's why end users buy in the first place - because they're passionate about something else.

People with ambition and talent always want to move beyond domaining. Whether they dabble in domains or do it full time, flipping domains should never be seen as a long-term career. That's a hamster wheel, a prison sentence. Find a better dream!

Frankly, the domain industry is often dysfunctional and demoralizing. Although there are good people in this space, they tend to be scattered. Most of us find it more enjoyable to work with clients or coworkers as part of a team ... with a shared mission.

In contrast, domaining is solitary. Some of the people we interact with are even a bit sleazy. So I wouldn't blame anybody for wanting to focus energy elsewhere. In fact, I'd encourage it! There are negative and positive reasons for wanting something else, something more. Domaining can get in the way of real accomplishments.

Making money is alright. However, so many domainers are fixated on that goal that the overall culture is better in other industries, where professionals show more courtesy, act with a pinch more integrity, and contribute to building the future.

Domaining has a lot going for it. Personally, I'm not pessimistic about this industry. But domain names are just a stepping stone. 200 years from now, none of the internet we see will matter or even make sense. People step across the domain market when they do something real. If we only flip domains, then we're stuck as something to be stepped on, left behind, and ultimately forgotten.

Sane domainers use domains and the domain industry as a stepping stone themselves ... as a portion of a bigger journey.

 

[Cdomains]

Stepping back is a good thing, Shane. It should be everybody's goal.

Domaining only exists because there are better things to do, more important projects to work on ... with domains or without them. That's why end users buy in the first place - because they're passionate about something else.

People with ambition and talent always want to move beyond domaining. Whether they dabble in domains or do it full time, flipping domains should never be seen as a long-term career. That's a hamster wheel, a prison sentence. Find a better dream!

Frankly, the domain industry is often dysfunctional and demoralizing. Although there are good people in this space, they tend to be scattered. Most of us find it more enjoyable to work with clients or coworkers as part of a team ... with a shared mission.

In contrast, domaining is solitary. Some of the people we interact with are even a bit sleazy. So I wouldn't blame anybody for wanting to focus energy elsewhere. In fact, I'd encourage it! There are negative and positive reasons for wanting something else, something more. Domaining can get in the way of real accomplishments.

Making money is alright. However, so many domainers are fixated on that goal that the overall culture is better in other industries, where professionals show more courtesy, act with a pinch more integrity, and contribute to building the future.

Domaining has a lot going for it. Personally, I'm not pessimistic about this industry. But domain names are just a stepping stone. 200 years from now, none of the internet we see will matter or even make sense. People step across the domain market when they do something real. If we only flip domains, then we're stuck as something to be stepped on, left behind, and ultimately forgotten.

Sane domainers use domains and the domain industry as a stepping stone themselves ... as a portion of a bigger journey.

Thank you grasshopper.

When you can snatch this domain from my portfolio you will be ready to move on.

 

[S-B]

Stepping back is a good thing, Shane. It should be everybody's goal.

Domaining only exists because there are better things to do, more important projects to work on ... with domains or without them. That's why end users buy in the first place - because they're passionate about something else.

People with ambition and talent always want to move beyond domaining. Whether they dabble in domains or do it full time, flipping domains should never be seen as a long-term career. That's a hamster wheel, a prison sentence. Find a better dream!

Frankly, the domain industry is often dysfunctional and demoralizing. Although there are good people in this space, they tend to be scattered. Most of us find it more enjoyable to work with clients or coworkers as part of a team ... with a shared mission.

In contrast, domaining is solitary. Some of the people we interact with are even a bit sleazy. So I wouldn't blame anybody for wanting to focus energy elsewhere. In fact, I'd encourage it! There are negative and positive reasons for wanting something else, something more. Domaining can get in the way of real accomplishments.

Making money is alright. However, so many domainers are fixated on that goal that the overall culture is better in other industries, where professionals show more courtesy, act with a pinch more integrity, and contribute to building the future.

Domaining has a lot going for it. Personally, I'm not pessimistic about this industry. But domain names are just a stepping stone. 200 years from now, none of the internet we see will matter or even make sense. People step across the domain market when they do something real. If we only flip domains, then we're stuck as something to be stepped on, left behind, and ultimately forgotten.

Sane domainers use domains and the domain industry as a stepping stone themselves ... as a portion of a bigger journey.

+1

There's more to life.

 

[Skyvisum]

Best of Luck Shane and hope to hear about your success in your new field.Nice knowing you here on Namepros.Remain Focused always.

I am still surprised that it is you that quit.

Skyvisum.

 

[Impaler The Vlad]

I've read your stuff. You're scrappy and likewise have an ego, which is needed. But only three years in this business and opting out is a character flaw.

What is the "domain industry" to you? Just domain names? It is everything the future will bring. Did you develope a virtual place with a passion? It's like raising children. You don't abandon them after three years.

Coming down on supposed Domain Gods is a ruse. It sounded like you were expecting others to make this virtual place more palatable to your needs. Only you and your imagination are needed. Those gifts and virtues allow you to make whatever reality you want here. That was up to you to do. Feed your own catechism. Good luck.

 

[sofiapartner]

Well , well - not surprised at all.

 

[Yuri Kt]

Best of luck !

 

[S-B]

I've read your stuff. You're scrappy and likewise have an ego, which is needed. But only three years in this business and opting out is a character flaw.

What is the "domain industry" to you? Just domain names? It is everything the future will bring. Did you develope a virtual place with a passion? It's like raising children. You don't abandon them after three years.

Coming down on supposed Domain Gods is a ruse. It sounded like you were expecting others to make this virtual place more palatable to your needs. Only you and your imagination are needed. Those gifts and virtues allow you to make whatever realty you want here. That was up to you to do. Feed your own catechism. Good luck.

There's more to life, bro. I do what I enjoy and I'm capable enough to excel at whatever it is I chose to do.

The industry doesn't need to conform to my standards but I am not obligated in any way to anyone in this industry. I'm a man and I chose what I want in my life.