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

 

[Bob Hawkes]

I'm not into the conspiracy theory about blunt opinions were deliberately given as way to either lower competition in domain sales or have less domain auction competition. I think that almost everyone who offers advice in that style genuinely feel is helpful. That is why we should respectfully consider it, even if we disagree with the points made.

I just don't think some of the blunt advice is offered in the way that will have the biggest possible impact. If it was more constructive in tone and in particular pointing out precisely (in a learn skills way) why the name is not good it would be more valuable. This is by no means a general statement, and many many people on NamePros go out of their way to indeed back up their opinion with the reasons.

I agree that sometimes those seeking opinions could do better in being open to criticism. Also, it seems to me that if you want an opinion. you should have first done your own detailed analysis so what you are getting is a second opinion. And as I said earlier, always be responsible for your own decisions and only invest what you can afford to potentially lose.

Bob

PS If we offered some blunt advice to Huge Domains do you think we could force them out of the domain market to lessen the competition?

 

[Internet.Domains]

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

Did someone get offended?

 

[equity78]

Whether people want to call it being straightforward or brutally honest and others don't like that, it's not going to change.

Let's look at a lot of things here,

The post here has many iterations this has been written about a million times, plus many here are giving different perspectives as many have shown through polls they are hobbyists so someone can't be wrong about their hobby.

First off no disrespect to anyone but the people who have sold the most and done the most with domain sales are not regular contributors to Namepros. They did not build Namepros, do some have accounts? Sure to come protect their name if someone speaks out against them or if they feel they have been wronged. But

Ham
Schilling
Berkens
Schwartz
Cohen
Chernoff
Mann
Day
Grant
Strong
Rosener

Don't participate here and don't give advice to newcomers.

I do agree with @Bob Hawkes that there is nothing gained by posting useless, I have always tried to give people reasons and background and examples. So have people like @brad Mugford @Kate @Doron Vermaat and a host of others.

The thing about forum discussions is some assume everyone is seeking the same thing, they are not.

Some just want validation, they are not thinking of someone as an expert and value that opinion more, they just want validation.

The reason why some people are short, I believe is because when you explain things some people then come back with a reply and then you reply and now the string of comments doesn't ever end. Someone might be looking to give you a little advice but not your personal business coach.

The other thing that would help so that anyone giving the advice can understand where the op is coming from would be to present your case.

Instead of saying example .com what's it worth?

Say I registered example.com because I think,

1) these would be companies that could use the domain
2) these are the possible uses
3) these are comparable sales and usage

Then the person responding could understand that's why you regged it and take it from there.

The more info shared the better the discussion, it's the same thing with sales, people want to know

1) How did you negotiate
2) What platform
3) How long did it take to close

It makes things more interesting and can help with getting and delivering better information.

 

[equity78]

Did someone get offended?

No, you can't get offended by people you don't know and statements you don't even believe were uttered.

 

[Internet.Domains]

No, you can't get offended by people you don't know and statements you don't even believe were uttered.

Fair enough. Your response just appeared to be defensive, like you were offended. Carry on.

 

[equity78]

Lastly the advice of anyone means nothing compared to the two entities that tell you if you are doing well in domaining,

Offers in your email
Money in your bank account

All the rest is conversation. Some are here for business, some for conversation and then some are here for both.

There is so much information already here, and to be fair, there is not much new under the domaining sun.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Instead of saying example .com what's it worth?

Say I registered example.com because I think,

1) these would be companies that could use the domain
2) these are the possible uses
3) these are comparable sales and usage

^^^ THIS. I agree 100%. I mean maybe not list specific companies in a public forum, but use categories of companies. Also show us that as owner the person asking for an appraisal first did the work in trying to objectively look at the name, find comparators, etc. and then ask for specific help in going to the next step.

Thanks for a great and illuminating post @equity78 - many good points and I very much treasure the reasoned, evidenced and long-term view you bring to NamePros (and through your other writing of course).

Bob

 

[equity78]

I'm not into the conspiracy theory about blunt opinions were deliberately given as way to either lower competition in domain sales or have less domain auction competition. I think that almost everyone who offers advice in that style genuinely feel is helpful. That is why we should respectfully consider it, even if we disagree with the points made.

I just don't think some of the blunt advice is offered in the way that will have the biggest possible impact. If it was more constructive in tone and in particular pointing out precisely (in a learn skills way) why the name is not good in a transferable way it would be more valuable. This is by no means a general statement, and many many people on NamePros go out of their way to indeed back up their opinion with the reasons.

I agree that sometimes those seeking opinions could do better in being open to criticism. Also, it seems to me that if you want an opinion. you should have first done your own detailed analysis so what you are getting is a second opinion. And as I said earlier, always be responsible for your own decisions and only invest what you can afford to potentially lose.

Bob

PS If we offered some blunt advice to Huge Domains do you think we could force them out of the domain market to lessen the competition?

Bob you are 100% correct and I do not know you personally but I believe you to be a nice man. Some people here plain don't like one another, they are disguising their dislike by saying they are being short and to the point.

Then you have the self loathing domainers, don't really like themselves, don't like domaining but still do it, so when someone makes a post that triggers that self loathing they lash out against them instead of looking inward.

Then some people are just trolls and pricks they are here for the drama.

 

[oskaaay]

looks like your domains are great
(even though nobody agrees)

good luck

really appreciate your contributions. Trying my best on the domain name selections

 

[oskaaay]

If you want to be succesful and be in game for a long time, do not try to get to consensus with other fellow domain investors. Trying that is a straigh road to hell. Period.

Thats a million dollar worth straight to the point advice. interesting

 

[biggie]

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.

Hi
I think the point in the post above has been missed by quite a few
as they take the words in the replies they read, personally.... rather than from a business enhancement perspective.

you got folks trying to advise others, how advice should be given,
what tone to use, how to frame your replies, language expression, etc. ...
but, some of those same folks don't have the same experience as the one giving the advice,
yet they want to say how that same advice that they aren't qualified to give, should be stated.
what...huh?

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.

thank you for your post @MrAcidic !
what you posted is exactly the mentality that aspiring domainers should strive to reach.

sure, there are times when one has to elaborate, but getting to the point with least amount of words, is crucial.to understanding the point, and not getting lost in a jungle of useless jibber.

imo..

 

[oskaaay]

Hi

if you only want to hear or read what pleases you,
then maybe you should write your own replies

you can't decide how others choose to express themselves, if and when, they choose to reply.

and if you don't like the replies, then maybe refrain from posting remarks that are questionable enough for someone like me, to question.

I've read some of your posts and I questioned them.
maybe you didn't like what or how I said what I said, but it had to be said the way, it was expressed.

you might see names from seo perspective and I and others see them differently, so there is a conflict.
if you can't deal with those contrasting viewpoints, then you won't last long

imo...

That is the point you are still missing and the attitudes am pointing out in so-called Pros. Our different domaining focus should not be a conflict.

Your criteria for choosing domain are not the industry standard neither is mine because at the end of the day we have different buyers for different criteria.

Your criticism does not move me an inch if you have the opportunity to meet me in person am a died hard believer of whatever I do because I know my sort well.

If you are pro in your own domaining niche, there are better ways to help starters with your knowledge and even when your nail them for wrong choices they will be able to be more receptive to you.

Your response above if out of context sincerely and depict the same thing the thread point at.

 

[equity78]

Hi
I think the point in the post above has been missed by quite a few
as they take the words in the replies they read, personally.... rather than from a business enhancement perspective.

you got folks trying to advise others, how advice should be given,
what tone to use, how to frame your replies, language expression, etc. ...
but, some of those same folks don't have the same experience as the one giving the advice,
yet they want to say how that same advice that they aren't qualified to give, should be stated.
what...huh?




thank you for your post @MrAcidic !
what you posted is exactly the mentality that aspiring domainers should strive to reach.

sure, there are times when one has to elaborate, but getting to the point with least amount of words, is crucial.to understanding the point, and not getting lost in a jungle of useless jibber.

imo..

So who is behind that username or avatar?

One of the difficult things about domaining compared to most industries is that for the most part you don’t know much if anything about the person you are conversing with, getting advice from. There are exceptions of course, people get to meet people at domain conferences, (though no one has on their badge, I am broke or I am a scammer). There are also high profile domainers who share a lot and use their real name.

Opinions or advice without knowing anything behind the person giving them are pretty empty imo.

You get people who give opinions on names in appraisal sections and you have no idea if they know anything about the industry said name belongs to. Do they know anything about linguistics, branding? No?

The value of that opinion is reg fee, like so many domains are appraised at reg fee. The theory for some goes if someone paid $9 for it then it can’t be worthless, others would differ in their opinion. So the same goes for people, you have the right to speak and to give an opinion, but it equates to reg fee.

Same goes with negotiation advice, some people give very bad advice in forums and blog comments. For the person seeking negotiation advice, all they know is MetallicaFan has a sweet avatar but might not even know how to negotiate for an extra .50 an hour at their job.

The worst advice in my opinion, comes from those anonymous sources who are giving legal advice. “You tell that company to go f themselves!” “I would ignore it, you have every right to own a name with Instagram it.” Yeah might be better to contact Berryhill or Lieberman. The truth is most domainers who participate on forums and blogs know very little to nothing about TM law and intellectual property.

Another thing that happens with not knowing the people you interact with is there are many false narratives that get built up.

This is Domaining When The Legend Becomes Fact Print The Legend

One tidbit that surprised a lot of people came up in the CQD.com case on Namepros. James Booth had unknowingly bought a stolen domain, that belonged to a lady in Florida.

One of the hot takes of that thread was some people who never met or knew anything about Mr.Booth, declaring he was a millionaire and that he should just eat the loss, he can afford it.

To which Mr. Booth posted:



I had a couple people say to me they were flabbergasted that Booth was not a millionaire. I asked the one person if they ever met James or knew anything about him? They just figured that they saw him mentioned on Namepros and DNJournal so he was rich.

You have to do your homework in the business and verify from more than one source if you are going to spend money, or make a deal.

There was a recent thread on Namepros where someone was going to make a large purchase for a domain name because of a previous sale that they saw mentioned. The sale was not a sale but just an auction close that never got paid. You can read it here, it’s long and sometimes confusing.

The takeaway is not confusing though, you need to do your homework thoroughly, you need to be meticulous before making a decision that affects your domain business.

In this business no one really knows a lot about anyone. Hopefully you know yourself and go from there. Best of luck.

 

[NickB]

So who is behind that username or avatar?

One of the difficult things about domaining compared to most industries is that for the most part you don’t know much if anything about the person you are conversing with, getting advice from. There are exceptions of course, people get to meet people at domain conferences, (though no one has on their badge, I am broke or I am a scammer). There are also high profile domainers who share a lot and use their real name.

Opinions or advice without knowing anything behind the person giving them are pretty empty imo.

You get people who give opinions on names in appraisal sections and you have no idea if they know anything about the industry said name belongs to. Do they know anything about linguistics, branding? No?

The value of that opinion is reg fee, like so many domains are appraised at reg fee. The theory for some goes if someone paid $9 for it then it can’t be worthless, others would differ in their opinion. So the same goes for people, you have the right to speak and to give an opinion, but it equates to reg fee.

Same goes with negotiation advice, some people give very bad advice in forums and blog comments. For the person seeking negotiation advice, all they know is MetallicaFan has a sweet avatar but might not even know how to negotiate for an extra .50 an hour at their job.

The worst advice in my opinion, comes from those anonymous sources who are giving legal advice. “You tell that company to go f themselves!” “I would ignore it, you have every right to own a name with Instagram it.” Yeah might be better to contact Berryhill or Lieberman. The truth is most domainers who participate on forums and blogs know very little to nothing about TM law and intellectual property.

Another thing that happens with not knowing the people you interact with is there are many false narratives that get built up.

This is Domaining When The Legend Becomes Fact Print The Legend

One tidbit that surprised a lot of people came up in the CQD.com case on Namepros. James Booth had unknowingly bought a stolen domain, that belonged to a lady in Florida.

One of the hot takes of that thread was some people who never met or knew anything about Mr.Booth, declaring he was a millionaire and that he should just eat the loss, he can afford it.

To which Mr. Booth posted:



I had a couple people say to me they were flabbergasted that Booth was not a millionaire. I asked the one person if they ever met James or knew anything about him? They just figured that they saw him mentioned on Namepros and DNJournal so he was rich.

You have to do your homework in the business and verify from more than one source if you are going to spend money, or make a deal.

There was a recent thread on Namepros where someone was going to make a large purchase for a domain name because of a previous sale that they saw mentioned. The sale was not a sale but just an auction close that never got paid. You can read it here, it’s long and sometimes confusing.

The takeaway is not confusing though, you need to do your homework thoroughly, you need to be meticulous before making a decision that affects your domain business.

In this business no one really knows a lot about anyone. Hopefully you know yourself and go from there. Best of luck.

What a great post, made we want to come out the closet.....

My LinkedIn profile might not tell people who or what I am but it gives a little bit of transparency to what I do (outside of my hobby!)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-barrett-globalmobilityandhr

 

[oskaaay]

PS Thanks to @oskaaay for courage for the open letter. I am not sure that Domain Industry News is the right place for this thread, but will leave that decision to the hard-working and wise moderators. We should thank them more often.

Indeed appreciate your contribution and its unbiased. Kudos

The Napros moderators are indeed smart and hard-working and they have been helping me to relocate my threads to right places.
First am new here and secondly, there are a lot of sections that some may agree it could become confusing at times where your post fit correctly until the moderator help place it in the right section.
Doing my best to explore more of the NP sections, so could help with placing my post more accurately.

 

[capybara]

Your criticism does not move me an inch

You seem to miss the fact that forum is a public discussion and any reply to you is not meant for you alone. While you may not change your point at all there are multiple other readers.

 

[oskaaay]

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......

That's true. I understand that people naturally do against the truth.

But this is my point.

Some so-called Pros here based on responses have read in several threads most time do a right-off instead of laying down the starters mistake from their point of view and then also let starters know that domaining is not an all in one thing. Your decision could still pay off but this and that is the risk they can perceive based on years of experience. Not totally writing them off.

I still maintain my stand, the end-user determines a lot, not fellow domainers.

Have you ever tried to sell to a fellow in the same business line offline before like computer engineering? They will tell you it worth nothing more than $100 what they will go out and sell for about $1,000-$2,000+ if you are not informed to sell it to them for the $100 value tag they gave you.

 

[oskaaay]

You seem to miss the fact that forum is a public discussion and any reply to you is not meant for you alone. While you may not change your point at all there are multiple other readers.

hmmmm..you made a point and accept my default there. Thanks

 

[NickB]

That's true. I understand that people naturally do against the truth.

But this is my point.

Some so-called Pros here based on responses have read in several threads most time do a right-off instead of laying down the starters mistake from their point of view and then also let starters know that domaining is not an all in one thing. Your decision could still pay off but this and that is the risk they can perceive based on years of experience. Not totally writing them off.

I still maintain my stand, the end-user determines a lot, not fellow domainers.

Have you ever tried to sell to a fellow in the same business line offline before like computer engineering? They will tell you it worth nothing more than $100 what they will go out and sell for about $1,000-$2,000+ if you are not informed to sell it to them for the $100 value tag they gave you.

Why do most people think they are entitled to help?

They should be helping themselves by reading and doing research. No one is entitled to anything, you have to work for it. People should not be relying on handouts because of some kind of perceived expectation that an experienced person is automatically going to pour out their years of hard work on a plate just because someone asked.....

 

[bmugford]

That's true. I understand that people naturally do against the truth.

But this is my point.

Some so-called Pros here based on responses have read in several threads most time do a right-off instead of laying down the starters mistake from their point of view and then also let starters know that domaining is not an all in one thing. Your decision could still pay off but this and that is the risk they can perceive based on years of experience. Not totally writing them off.

I still maintain my stand, the end-user determines a lot, not fellow domainers.

Have you ever tried to sell to a fellow in the same business line offline before like computer engineering? They will tell you it worth nothing more than $100 what they will go out and sell for about $1,000-$2,000+ if you are not informed to sell it to them for the $100 value tag they gave you.

I am not sure what you are expecting but using a term like "so-called Pros" is not real positive.
It comes off as rather disrespectful.

Comments, feedback, and advice are free here.
So do with that what you will.

Brad