opinion Open Letter To Pro Domainers on NamePros

[oskaaay]

Hi NPers,

In my few time here on Namepros have observed somethings which made me create this open letter. I may be wrong to some or right to others. Whichever side, have just made my view and opinion known.


To Pro Domainers Responding To Threads :

First, you deserve accolades and appreciation for doing your best to help starter domainers. You deserve nothing than a heart of gratitude and big THANK YOU!

NOTE BEFORE YOU READ ON: The term Pro does not target any specific namepros badge like "Pro" "VIP" or others.

I am of a belief, no matter how well experienced you are or claim to be in the domain business. Each name is unique and you can not always 100% invalidate a domainers portfolio because they seem not to go inline with what you think works.

Considering my experience in SEO, there are authority tools that tell you a keyword is 0 search volume and waste of time writing on it. Then, you follow your instinct or just simply ready to explore new grounds and break the limits not minding the risks - Only for that same keyword article to explode later bringing you an organic traffic fortune.

In the domain world, one man's food is another man's poison and so another man's poison fit well as a favourite for another. For example, I can't imagine myself eating animals like a Lizard or Scorpion due to my Nigeria background which made them plenty and playing around us daily because we don't see them as edible but I think that is opposite for a Chinese man.

So, will encourage pro domainers - Please, don't always throw a blanket ban on other domainers portfolio especially starters.

It's good you let them know that some of their choices may not be right but at the same time let them realize if they do their homework well and discover something not known by most including yourself worthy enough for them to take the risk, then they should do in as much as they are ready to bear the consequences.

Mind you, just like @Bob Hawkes stated in this thread https://www.namepros.com/threads/an-inquiry-come-a-day-after-handreg-a-name.1166010/page-2 , a domain is just a year experiment.

If you see that it does not worth it, you have a whole 12months to test the market and easily drop it just by simply avoiding renewal.

You have not trapped except if you go overboard with reg for 5 to 10years at a go which a smart domainer will not do for uncertain domain names.


To me, Domain is like exploration, don't cage anyone's mind....... let's all explore and diversify....it makes our domaining world more exciting and goes round.

Love you all

 

[BrandPlease]

@Bob Hawkes,
This is an important point you made.

The point being that advise that is based on what worked for someone - is the best advise. Anything else is speculation or an assumption.

That said, I think many of us now and then fall into the trap of recommending what is best for us, or worked for us, rather than fully appreciate the position of the other person.

I try to read as many perspectives as possible, mostly to find out what I am missing or don't understand.

Real information, tested information, and personal sucess info - is the best info IMO.

Awsome post - with tons of great info, appreciated Bob & all NP!

 

[xynames]

If you see that it does not worth it, you have a whole 12months to test the market and easily drop it just by simply avoiding renewal.

One such domain, maybe five, an experiment.

A hundred, few hundred, may be quite a tug on the purse strings.

A few hundred, or more, may be a disaster.

Tell this, your theory, to ThatNameGuy a.k.a. Bulloney, who has THOUSANDS of domains that never sold, many of which he already dropped after spending TENS of thousands of dollars registering and renewing them.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

and why it is......

Even though my opinion is different, somewhat, from yours overall, I totally agree with the part you underlined -- the answer should give the basis for the opinion to be helpful to learn.

I actually find that information helps me two ways. It helps me understand the thinking and next time apply it on my own. But it also helps me gauge how much weight I should put on the opinion - i.e. how applicable the position and advice is to my own situation.

It seems to me that a rather small change in a response could easily transform one into one that we both could be happy with.

EXAMPLE
Not useful in my opinion: "That is garbage like all the other ones you have listed. You will be gone from domaining soon enough when renewals time comes around."

Not useful I think in your (or my) opinion (correct me if I am wrong); "Don't like it much, but many kinds of names sell. Get it listed. Good luck with it."

I would suggest a more constructive answer might be along these lines.

"I can see why you liked it because the expression is cute and it has alliteration. Thinking it up was creative and that can definitely be good at times. But in my experience names that are too cute, and I think this one is, almost never get offers. Like if we look at zzzz it has only once (in NameBio at least) sold as part of any cute expression and then only for $120. Also by adding zyxy as the other word there are tons of other possibilities that someone could just hand reg is they wanted a phrase."

To me an answer like the last one both helps learning, but also (as NamePros suggest we all do) it builds in a constructive way in our responses. In other areas of life it has been my experience that has a bigger impact than a blunt or especially a rude response.

Bob

 

[biggie]

In many areas there is good evidence that overly blunt advice is, perhaps surprisingly, ineffective since normally it evokes defence mechanisms and makes the person more apt to hold even more tightly an alternative view. I firmly believe that. I do believe in being nice and considerate, but beyond that, I think being constructive is the way to be more effective. Read NamePros guidelines for respect and constructive contributions.

in many areas,
I find that excessive pacification of individuals so they will like you, is less constructive and potentially damaging to the person who needs to be told, "quite bluntly" where the fault lies in their ideology or premise.
as one can provide a constructive solution, answer or criticism, with a blunt reply, all while effectively providing clarity to a clouded situation.

if that person wants to be defensive, then so be it
in most cases, it's because they learned some they need to unlearn, and are unwilling to let it go.

we're all supposed to be grown, mature adults here, and it's time some start acting like it, instead of whimpering cause they got their feelings hurt.

better to cry now cuz i hurt your feelings, than to be crying later cuz you spent all your money on crappy names and can't pay rent or buy food.

so, either you want the hard truths or you want somebody to give you a pacifier to suck on.

tick, tick, tick...

imo...

 

[Brands.International]

Even though my opinion is different, somewhat, from yours, I totally agree with the part you underlined - I think a key part is what you underlined -- the answer should give the basis for the opinion to be helpful to learn.

I actually find that information helps me two ways. It helps me understand the thinking and next time apply it on my own. But it also helps me gauge how much weight I should put on the response.

It seems to me that a rather small change in a response could easily transform one into one that we both could be happy with.

EXAMPLE
Not useful in my opinion: "That is garbage like all the other ones you have listed. You will be gone from domaining soon enough when renewals time comes around."

Not useful I think in your (or my) opinion (correct me if I am wrong); "Don't like it much, but many kinds of names sell. Get it listed. Good luck with it."

I would suggest a more constructive answer might be along these lines.

"I can see why you liked it because the expression is cute and it has alliteration. Thinking it up was creative and that can definitely be good at times. But in my experience names that are too cute, and I think this one is, almost never get offers. Like if we look at zzzz it has only once (in NameBio at least) sold as part of any cute expression and then only for $120. Also by adding zyxy as the other word there are tons of other possibilities that someone could just hand reg is they wanted that word."

To me an answer like the last one both helps learning, but also (as NamePros suggest we all do) it builds in a constructive way in our responses. In other areas of life it has been my experience that has a bigger impact than a blunt or especially a rude response.

Bob

I agree with the Bob here, but also with Biggie in a way. You can really give lot of basically very hard opinions / appraisals, but you need to back it up with some data/analysis/experience/thoughts, at least something from that. And you need to have good of the person in your mind, in a first place. If you do it, you can usually say some very strict statements, which will actually be helpful to the person .. after all, we are not evaluating the person, but the domain names which has been registered, and if we are tough but true at the same time, we can help the person.

But it is imo advised to give our feedback when we are ourself rested, eaten well, and are satifsied with ourselfves, so we do not project our momentary unhappines to others.

On the other way, people should learn that critical feedback is the best you can get - it will actually force you to think about answers, and if you can not find any good answers which you can present in calm and logical way, maybe you should shift your opinion in this case, imo

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Thanks for your opinion @biggie. I agree with you that clarity is important. Hopefully I demonstrated that with the examples from a bit earlier in this thread.

I find sometimes bluntness actually hides clarity. Why do they say this name is useless? In my opinion if the answer does not make that clear it is not very helpful.

You mention defensiveness, and not to be defensive , but it is my sincere opinion, based on decades of interacting with individuals from toddlers to senior citizens, and mainly adults, that defensiveness often is a result of an overly blunt opinion that is at least perceived, perhaps not intended that way, as lacking respect.

I agree that it is best if people are not defensive, and that is why I find the NamePros guidelines to find something constructive as well as clearly outlining the parts you disagree with as being very good advice. Those receiving advice should give the respect owed to those who made the effort to respond, even if they disagree with the opinions offered. If lots of people are expressing a different opinion than your own, then you should look at the reasons they give. While you still make the final decision, of course.

Anyway, just my opinion. Everyone should form their own opinion.

Thanks for your contribution,

Bob

 

[frank-germany]

If I ask for an opinion on one of my names, I want the truth. I do not want a sugar coated response as this will not help me learn. If it is sh*t then I would rather be told it is and why it is......

A lot of people are just looking for some kind of self justification are not really looking for the truth.

If you want an honest opinion then be prepared to read something you might not like......

#me too

 

[mAd MaX]

excessive pacification of individuals

Excessive Criticism

 

[mAd MaX]

I do not want a sugar coated response as this will not help me learn.

Yeah, sugar is bad for health so is Salt or salty persons!

#me too

#U Too!

NP ain't Bible neither thread comments are verses!

 

[Internet.Domains]

I find sometimes bluntness actually hides clarity.

I believe this is the most problematic issue with the "pros" or experts giving advice on NP's. I see it daily, not just bluntness, but disrespectful responses. When this happens it's not just the clarity that is lost, it's also respect. Often times the "bluntness" and disrespect from those giving advice is inappropriately legitimized by telling the reciever that "you need to have thick skin" or "that's the way it is" or "just telling it like it is."

I have mentioned this before, but if "pros," experts, and those knowledgeable want respect, they need to give it. We, as a community, shouldn't tell a reciever to give respect when the advisor is showing none. The respect needs to be shown by the advisor first and foremost. Someone can be very knowledgeable, but if bluntness and lacking respect is in their responses, they are far from PROFESSIONAL. Unfortunately, there is lots of knowledge people here, but fewer PROFESSIONALS.


Edit addition: Its been brought to my attention, years ago, that the reason for the "pros" giving disrespectful responses to new comers is to discourage growing the number of domainers. This is due to many feeling new comers bring competition and higher auction prices.

 

[mAd MaX]

Edit addition: Its been brought to my attention, years ago, that the reason for the "pros" giving disrespectful responses to new comers is to discourage growing the number of domainers. This is due to many feeling new comers bring competition and higher auction prices.

Really! If it's true, then very sad imo.

 

[NickB]

I believe this is the most problematic issue with the "pros" or experts giving advice on NP's. I see it daily, not just bluntness, but disrespectful responses. When this happens it's not just the clarity that is lost, it's also respect. Often times the "bluntness" and disrespect from those giving advice is inappropriately legitimized by telling the reciever that "you need to have thick skin" or "that's the way it is" or "just telling it like it is."

I have mentioned this before, but if "pros," experts, and those knowledgeable want respect, they need to give it. We, as a community, shouldn't tell a reciever to give respect when the advisor is showing none. The respect needs to be shown by the advisor first and foremost. Someone can be very knowledgeable, but if bluntness and lacking respect is in their responses, they are far from PROFESSIONAL. Unfortunately, there is lots of knowledge people here, but fewer PROFESSIONALS.


Edit addition: Its been brought to my attention, years ago, that the reason for the "pros" giving disrespectful responses to new comers is to discourage growing the number of domainers. This is due to many feeling new comers bring competition and higher auction prices.

Something I find interesting in my line of work is that the higher up the corporate ladder I speak to people the more they value "bluntness" I can talk with a manager and have chat before getting around the to the purpose of the call, but when I speak to a CHRO or SVP they want you to get to the point and have no time for niceties.

This is not being rude merely that time is a commodity for successful people and they respect people getting to the point and being articulate about it......people should not mix bluntness for rudeness which a lot of people seem to do.

 

[Internet.Domains]

Really! If it's true, then very sad imo.

It's the wild west out here. You have to ride like Billy the Kid or get chewed up.

 

[bmugford]

I believe this is the most problematic issue with the "pros" or experts giving advice on NP's. I see it daily, not just bluntness, but disrespectful responses. When this happens it's not just the clarity that is lost, it's also respect. Often times the "bluntness" and disrespect from those giving advice is inappropriately legitimized by telling the reciever that "you need to have thick skin" or "that's the way it is" or "just telling it like it is."

I have mentioned this before, but if "pros," experts, and those knowledgeable want respect, they need to give it. We, as a community, shouldn't tell a reciever to give respect when the advisor is showing none. The respect needs to be shown by the advisor first and foremost. Someone can be very knowledgeable, but if bluntness and lacking respect is in their responses, they are far from PROFESSIONAL. Unfortunately, there is lots of knowledge people here, but fewer PROFESSIONALS.

It works both ways. I try to provide helpful information and advice but frequently run into new investors with obvious attitude problems who seem to think they know it all. Many people only seem to want feeback that agrees with their view. It happens all the time in appraisal threads.

I would say it helps far more to be blunt than sugar coat something. At the same time if you are going to say a domain isn't good, at least give a short response on why that is the case. Otherwise it is not very helpful.

Edit addition: Its been brought to my attention, years ago, that the reason for the "pros" giving disrespectful responses to new comers is to discourage growing the number of domainers. This is due to many feeling new comers bring competition and higher auction prices

That just seems like some conspiracy theory in my view. Many people don't have some hidden ulterior motive other than helping new investors from wasting money. There are enough opportunities for everyone.

Brad

 

[Internet.Domains]

I try to provide helpful information and advice

Yes, you are always respectful. I hold you in high regards.

That just seems like some conspiracy theory in my view.

Yes, definitely a theory. I wasn't necessarily agreeing to it, but it has been discussed nonetheless.

 

[bmugford]

Yes, definitely a theory. I wasn't necessarily agreeing to it, but it has been discussed nonetheless.

There are two sides to this.

While raising auction prices might limit buying opportunities, it would likely help anyone who already has a quality portfolio by making it that much more valuable.

There are less buying opportunities in the recent years for sure, but I certainly don't mind making sales and waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.

If someone actually has a plan to discourage new investors to limit competition that is rather silly IMO.

Brad

 

[Internet.Domains]

, it would likely help anyone would already has a quality portfolio by making it that much more valuable

I am in that camp. Basic economics shows a larger base increases the value through the entire supply chain. Unfortunately, there are many who don't see that.

I ran a poll on that previously, but cant find it. The results were more than surprising, they were startling.

If someone actually has a plan to discourage new investors to limit competition that is rather silly IMO.

Agreed.

 

[equity78]

There are two sides to this.

While raising auction prices might limit buying opportunities, it would likely help anyone who already has a quality portfolio by making it that much more valuable.

There are less buying opportunities in the recent years for sure, but I certainly don't mind making sales and waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.

If someone actually has a plan to discourage new investors to limit competition that is rather silly IMO.

Brad

Brad no one has that plan and you know that, again we always hear so many things never a name attached. Who was the person that made the idiotic statement people are trying to keep competition down? Besides the point if you are in .com auctions daily you would be pulling a different kind of conspiracy theory, you would encourage every new domainer to handreg .coms and go big on new gtld domains, they would be depleting their funds and have 0 to compete against you on NameJet, GoDaddy and DropCatch.

 

[Internet.Domains]

. Who was the person that made the idiotic statement people are trying to keep competition down?

Oh, boy! Here we go. I guess you are proving my post about "professionals."

 

[equity78]

Oh, boy! Here we go. I guess you are proving my post about "professionals."

Has nothing to do with professional that statement is an idiotic statement, certain statements get no respect or professional courtesy.