An Epik Statement on Racism and Injustice

[Rob Monster]

Archived copy here: https://www.epik.com/equality

 

[dirk]

But being a domain forum, I can always have hope maybe we can lower the tone a little and stay on topic in the future. Talks on politics never end up going well here.

100% agree. It's a fine line to walk and untill they haven't mastered it it's better to stay on topic and mention religion/politics briefly when appropriate.

That being said, there is a splendid Multi Faith Prayer Requests threat started by Rob. For those interested and in need of some Divine support, search for it and feel free to join.

 

[Domainace]

Brad, to be fair, I don't see how Rob can respond to your charges unless you are more specific. Vague charges of racism are thrown about daily. What exactly has Epic done that contradicts Rob's statement?

From my point of view, free speech includes racist speech. All ideas on the table where they can be seen in the light. If one starts putting limits on free speech, it is no longer free. Understandably, there are exceptions (shouting "fire" in a crowded theatre), but these exceptions must be as few as possible and justified by stringent terms. Being unpalatable, offensive or hateful are not acceptable reasons to block free speech. All one achieves by silencing opposition, even opposition with disgusting ideas, is to create a pressure cooker where those ideas will explode. Unless one wants to be a Stalinist, and just kill them all.

 

[bmugford]

Brad, to be fair, I don't see how Rob can respond to your charges unless you are more specific. Vague charges of racism are thrown about daily. What exactly has Epic done that contradicts Rob's statement?

From my point of view, free speech includes racist speech. All ideas on the table where they can be seen in the light. If one starts putting limits on free speech, it is no longer free. Understandably, there are exceptions (shouting "fire" in a crowded theatre), but these exceptions must be as few as possible and justified by stringent terms. Being unpalatable, offensive or hateful are not acceptable reasons to block free speech. All one achieves by silencing opposition, even opposition with disgusting ideas, is to create a pressure cooker where those ideas will explode. Unless one wants to be a Stalinist, and just kill them all.

This will be my last post on this.

In my view there have been a lot of scumbag moves involving racism, bullying, spreading conspiracy theories, etc. involving either Rob or Epik employees. Many of these controversial incidents have been highlighted on domain blogs, NamePros, or other media.

Just a few links -

(Spreading conspiracy theories and hosting a video of a mass murder)
http://domainincite.com/24077-after-nz-shooting-epik-has-a-monster-pr-problem

(Spreading conspiracy theories and bullying some random Wikipedia editor)
https://www.namepros.com/threads/epik-wikipedia-battle-is-full-on-right-now.1186029/

(Racist comments shown from Epik employees.)
https://www.namepros.com/threads/braden-pollock-steps-down-from-epik-bod.1194548/

I know Rob and his supporters will call this a "hit piece" to dismiss it, but you can make your own judgement - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rob-monster-epik-gab-neo-nazi_n_5c17bb29e4b05d7e5d846f72

Let me be clear, people have the right to be a scumbag, just as other people have a right to call out this behavior.

Brad

 

[Grilled]

bullying some random Wikipedia editor)
https://www.namepros.com/threads/epik-wikipedia-battle-is-full-on-right-now.1186029/

Let me remind everyone what type of trickle effect that thread lead to:

<< Link removed as a courtesy to @Samer following a DM discussion >>

I have yet to see an apology from Rob or Epik to @Molly White

@Braden Pollock -- if that thread resulted in further harassment or if God forbid anything had happened to Molly would you or the << name removed >> law firm stick up for Molly or reach out to her via Twitter with sincere hopes to right any wrongs and/or represent her pro Bono?

Why does your company write statements for gab yet turn the cheek to stopping any trickle effect epik judgement errors may have lead to in its tracks? I don't believe I heard a statement from you about her doxxing. Do you not take the doxxing of women seriously at the law firm you represent?

Sometimes taking action can mean taking accountability for the trickle effect that freespeach can lead to if/when it's not practiced responsibly or with ethics.

 

[noneisnone]

@Silentptnr did a magnificent job in the Molly white petition thread Bravo debating with facts
Thank you for providing the links @bmugford

 

[lambo.com]

As a person of whiteness, I think it's very important to treat people of color and people of whiteness on the color of their character.

 

[Samer]

Let me remind everyone what type of trickle effect that thread lead to:

https://kiwifarms.net/threads/epik-seizes-9chan-us.68698/page-4#post-6340492P

I have yet to see an apology from Rob or Epik to @Molly White

@Braden Pollock -- if that thread resulted in further harassment or if God forbid anything had happened to Molly would you or the Lisa Bloom law firm stick up for Molly or reach out to her via Twitter with sincere hopes to right any wrongs and/or represent her pro Bono?

Why does your company write statements for gab yet turn the cheek to stopping any trickle effect epik judgement errors may have lead to in its tracks? I don't believe I heard a statement from you about her doxxing. Do you not take the doxxing of women seriously at the law firm you represent?

Sometimes taking action can mean taking accountability for the trickle effect that freespeach can lead to if/when it's not practiced responsibly or with ethics.

Grilled, kiwifarms’ worse than a million Gabs.
kiwifarms tolerant allowed murdered victim photo to thread, photo taken and uploaded to social media by murderer, still up i bet.
Stop citing this God-awful source that has no "censor" standards.

 

[lambo.com]

Give me 5 likes and I'll open a thread on NP to counsel those with anything like, white guilt, white self loathing on any other such nonsense.

 

[DaveX]

I believe most the comments in this thread are way off target and completely ignore the statement that Epik released.

The issue of rather you believe in someone's personal politics or agree with how they view the world does not give anyone a right to think they have moral superiority to call out and brow beat people into submission and acceptance of their views.

If you want to avoid a company because you don't have the same view, do so. But if a company releases a statement against racism and discrimination in any civil world that is not a point that you ask them to bow and kiss your boots. It should be accepted for what it is, even if your politics affect your views of people.

The truth is, and you guys will admit it if you are honest - is there is nothing Epik could do that would actually make you like them. You would only feel personally victorious in your battle to beat them into submission or nonexistence - once again all over politics.

In full disclosure: I don't even have any names with Epik, or any stake in their success or failure, but I do not like to see people or companies bullied based off political differences IN EITHER DIRECTION. That is not professional or civil.

When you talk about a corporate statement, what do you think any company would say publicly? What do you think most racists do. They hide it. That's what they do. So, forget the statement. It's useless.

If Epik wants to take a stand, they should donate to worthy causes that diligently and actively work to stamp out all forms of hate based on race, religion or otherwise. They should paint their site black and stop the dancing around where they stand.

There is no "dark force" going after Epik as far as I can see. Epik sponsors gab. A known racist organization. They should have directly addressed how they intend to sever the relationship. That's what that letter should have said.

 

[lambo.com]

When you talk about a corporate statement, what do you think any company would say publicly? What do you think most racists do. They hide it. That's what they do. So, forget the statement. It's useless.

If Epik wants to take a stand, they should donate to worthy causes that diligently and actively work to stamp out all forms of hate based on race, religion or otherwise. They should paint their site black and stop the dancing around where they stand.

There is no "dark force" going after Epik as far as I can see. Epik sponsors gab. A known racist organization. They should have directly addressed how they intend to sever the relationship. That's what that letter should have said.

What is a racist?

 

[DaveX]

When you talk about a corporate statement, what do you think any company would say publicly? What do you think most racists do. They hide it. That's what they do. So, forget the statement. It's useless.

If Epik wants to take a stand, they should donate to worthy causes that diligently and actively work to stamp out all forms of hate based on race, religion or otherwise. They should paint their site black and stop the dancing around where they stand.

There is no "dark force" going after Epik as far as I can see. Epik sponsors gab. A known racist organization. They should have directly addressed how they intend to sever the relationship. That's what that letter should have said.

And by the way. I like Rob and I like Epik. Just don't think they are on the right path standing up for a site like that. Not good business.

 

[Samer]

And by the way. I like Rob and I like Epik. Just don't think they are on the right path standing up for a site like that. Not good business.

They arent standing up for anyone.

Rob took neutral view, hasnt talked to CEO in years, a CEO, hell-bent, on staying online. Last option DarkNet,Rob may have saved lives

Samer

 

[lock]

How on earth could you possibly discriminate if you tried? Can't really judge anything with just a domain name.

 

[nafti]

This thread has gotten a little off topic on the original post by Rob. Regardless, you have to do what’s best for you and your domain names. I personally like Epik’s landers, customer service and Escrow service so I will stay with them. A lot of people don’t like their jobs but you stick with it. Why? Because you do what’s best for YOU! Just because your opinion differs from someone else’s doesn’t mean that you have to up and leave.

 

[DaveX]

The writing is pretty much on the wall. There's no place to grow. Affiliations like that will only push business to competitors. Its unfortunate that Epik has invited so much bad press.

 

[lock]

People will find own reasoning for blacklisting things always have you can't side with every ones ethics.

 

[Samer]

People will find own reasoning for blacklisting things always have you can't side with every ones ethics.

This, times a million. Thank you, Thank you

Case in point? this thread.

If Rob Davis @Intelliname would have written a short statement, message would “too short”

No statement “you dont care”

Believe in epik, i’ve never believed epik more.

Samer

 

[DaveX]

This thread has gotten a little off topic on the original post by Rob. Regardless, you have to do what’s best for you and your domain names. I personally like Epik’s landers, customer service and Escrow service so I will stay with them. A lot of people don’t like their jobs but you stick with it. Why? Because you do what’s best for YOU! Just because your opinion differs from someone else’s doesn’t mean that you have to up and leave.

I have quite a few domains at Epik. They should not provide a platform for that site though. Very disappointing.

 

[lock]

Some people have issues about buying from foreign countries over 6 years of war rather than last 100 years at home.

 

[private123]

I have quite a few domains at Epik. They should not provide a platform for that site though. Very disappointing.

Open nic domain.
.geek or .o ?