Shout-Out To Bob Hawkes

[Internet.Domains]

Please give a shout-out to our very own @Bob Hawkes!

It was recently uncovered that Bob was feeling a little less motivated, and possibly retiring from Namepros, after some recent bullying. This saddened me as Bob has been a wonderful contributor and a valuable asset to this community. I may not agree with everything he writes, but I respect and admire his contributions. He is passionate and good natured. He is always respectful and the bullying he has recently endured is completely uncalled for.

Please give @Bob Hawkes a shout-out in the comments or Like/Thanks this post to let him know there are those who care!

(The best defense against bullies is letting those who bully know we stand with those who are bullied)

 

[Name Trader]

I think that @Bob Hawkes is a definite huge plus to the NamePros community.

I was following that "bullying" thread. My advice to Bob, is not to take the negative comments to seriously. This is afterall a discussion board. People are entitled to have different opinions. It got particularly nasty when Bob made a statement, which it appeared his website evidence didn't support. You must expect that kind of "probing" if you get into an altercation. Personally. I think you have morphed a little too much into the mathematician, in recent posts. Which cause my eyes just glaze over with their complexity. IMHO.

My advice would be to take it on the chin. Try to reach at least a conversational communication with any adversary. If that is not possible because you both cannot reach any mutual understanding. There is always the ignore button. But you will miss some of the "flavor" of this diverse community by using it.

I really hope you don't leave this community. Your presence here is extremely valuable. Just tone down these immensely complex mathematical posts. Please

 

[Brands.International]

@Bob Hawkes

Bob is truly amazing guy, kind, nice, and wise OP, and I hope also my domain friend. What is most important is that he is very balanced in his opinions, he understands well what logical argument is, and he can count well (meaning: he can form his opinions using math). Most of all, he is incredibly helpful to everyone!!!

What happened in a .live thread I started, how some OPs treated him was difficult, almost painful for me to read. As I was away, he tried to defend the logic of renewing domain names in advance which I proposed, (oh man, and those were new gTLDs, big mistake!) so he got the "love" which otherwise would in big part come to me, would I actively participate in the thread as well. I certainly must deserve all that (am I correct, @equity78 ?), as I am NOT disclosing my personal financial data for whole world to see. On internet. To everyone out there. OK, I get that. Although there is not such rule on Namepros that you need to disclose your personal financial data when celebrating new gTLDs (can we even celebrate them, or is that not a sign of professional domainer - maybe only semi professional, or are we all false prophets, if we celebrate?), some people simply think they can then openly call me scammer, snake oil seller, and dozens of other names I got so far. I do not sell my names in Namepros but stil, there has to be something fishy. Omg, and I sell those new gTLD names appraisals openly on my website...how can I dare! The full rage is on! The rage is there, but I am not there, so then someone who (partially) agreed with something I wrote about renewals of new gTLDs will get the "love" instead. How nice from you guys. All long time members, anonymous avatars, cranky, frequently combative, frequently in a bad mood...

Well, no one will object that when discussing new gTLDs, no matter what topic (how to register them, which to drop, if to renew them, how to appraise them, etc), it always gets personal, and it gets personal quickly. It is ok. In 2019 it is much better then in 2016, so no complains. Plus I know very well I am not well balanced towards all extensions, I love new gTLDs, and I am not big fan of .com. This will irritate many. But to act in such bad manner to Bob who is always so factual and neutral to ALL extensions, while providing TONS of useful information and help to everyone, is straightfoward shameful.

You guys who behaved poorly, go to give some appraisals to new members, do at least something useful and meaningful, and apologize to Bob via PM at least, this is the minimum you should do!!!

 

[namemarket]

Bob is both a great friend and IMO the #1 member here and I hate to see him being flamed for no valid reason.

 

[BRANDERX]

Yes, one needs to be thick-skinned in this business, but bullying is NOT ok & should not be allowed on this forum.

You have many options on how to deal with TLDR posts, & bullying is not one of them.

This place is full of needlessly lengthy posts, that's why I skip a lot of it. That is no reason for me to disrespect or intimidate anyone.

Stay Bob Hawkes, kick out the bully NamePros.

Kudos to the OP..

 

[J Sokol]

This is a refreshing thread, and I appreciate everyone's input. It seems that @lolwarrior best sums up my thoughts about Bob:

What is most important is that he is very balanced in his opinions, he understands well what logical argument is, and he can count well (meaning: he can form his opinions using math). Most of all, he is incredibly helpful to everyone!!!

When I joined NP almost a year ago, Bob stood out from the beginning as someone who would offer useful and constructive information. And I appreciate his analytical skills, because I lack the patience to delve into the numbers as he does.

Hope you'll stick with us, Bob!

 

[Henry Y]

@Bob Hawkes is one of the most polite, most unbiased and most contributing members in this forum. He deserves our best respect.

Respect is one of the basics of interaction. No one respects you if you don't respect others.

 

[Bertrell]

I am a fan of @Bob Hawkes mainly because of the positive energy that resonates from the content of his posts and comments. I enjoy the consistent cordial and courteous nature of Bob's expression.

My take on it is: I'm a lot less inclined to pay much attention to anyone who feels they must or can "get away" with bullying/trolling/belittling another NamePros member, especially one who generally brings positivity, optimism and no hidden or underlying agendas to NamePros.

I consider Bob Hawkes a valuable contributor to the site (and domaining/domain investing in general); one who I respect and admire; even if folks say he tends to be long-winded at times.

(Side-Note: I've always enjoyed reading, so it doesn't bother me if his posts sometimes contain LOTS of words )

 

[creataweb]

Bob is a nice guy, good at writing content too

 

[Bravo Mod Team]

We have reached out to Bob, and we are looking into how NamePros can improve to foster more positive experiences for all members.

Here's a related thread:

• https://www.namepros.com/threads/namepros-isnt-perfect.1137275/

The secondary discussion that began in this thread has been moved to the following page:

• https://www.namepros.com/threads/proof-and-credibility.1137935/

We hope that helps.

 

[Joakim]

Don't ever leave Bob. I read many of your posts with great admiration.

You remind me of a certain "Red", from Shawshank Redemption (without the criminal background ofcourse!).

Intelligent, kind-hearted and trustworthy.

Thanks to you, and many others, I'm getting something done.

 

[Bernard Wright]

@Bob Hawkes is the reason I joined NP. I had read some of his posts and they drew me in. I’ve said it before: Bob is the NPMVP in my book.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

I was away at my volunteer position in the community the last number of hours so my apologies for not replying sooner, including to a number of direct messages that were left. Let me say several things, but I hope to at some point in the not too future say more about how I think we can all, working together make the domain community an even more positive and welcoming place.

But briefly....

1. I am touched by this outpouring (super thank you to everyone), but really I am fine. Don't worry about me, please!
2. PLEASE do not try to guess who you think 'the bad guys' might be or be mean to anyone. This is not about certain people, it is a matter of each of us becoming more sensitive. If you want to do something for me be nice and respectful to EVERYONE, ALWAYS. Please.
3. This is NOT about NPs not having moderated something they should. The NP mods do an absolutely awesome job. I said that in my May shout out, but every day each of us should thank them. NPs is amazingly run. Think about it 1 million members (not all active) with almost that many views on everything in an and out of the domain world. It is a work of art that it runs as well as it does. Huge thanks to everyone involved in NP management and moderation.
4. I probably should not try to explain this when I am as tired as I feel right now, but essentially it is about me realizing how bothered I was that after working for many decades (both officially working and in organizations volunteer) with literally many thousands of people from dozens of countries I had difficulty of thinking of any cases where people called names, used disrespectful language, said things that were untrue, belittled the accomplishments of others, misrepresented what others said, or twisted what should be vibrant discussions of ideas and principles into unrelated attacks on people. I asked, and still ask, myself whether I really wanted to see people subjected to that in the domain community. Probably 99.5% of NP members do treat others respectfully. We need to make it 100%. We can.

Have a good evening everyone.

Bob

 

[Eagle578]

@Bob Hawkes:

I haven't been on NamePros for very long, but long enough to recognize the value of your contribution. Thank you for doing what you do. Don't be discouraged by the minority who don't appreciate your input. You're awesome.

 

[WatchDogue]

While I'm unaware of the incidents or circumstances that initiated this thread, reasonable regard and respect should be afford each member of the Forum.

Re Bob Hawkes I always find his posts to be well written and well reasoned and worthy of a read, whether I'm in agreement or nor with his posting ( usually in agreement I'll add).

Some members post brief replays to threads, sometimes a bit lacking in facts or evidence or personal experience citations and thats' fine, that is their style. Other members posting style may be more
" rich in content and citations or the basis for their position " in a thread.

Bob Hawkes IMO typifies the content rich poster and I do enjoy reading his well reasoned, positive
and polite postings whenever he sees fit to post.

 

[Grego85]

I enjoy Bob's posts and I've learned quite a bit from them. His website has a lot of great articles too. Thankful he is a member here.

 

[carob]

Many thanks to Bob for your posts. Well-researched, reasoned, informative. And data-rich. And courteous.

Most of us come here to make money from domains and to do that we need information and advice, and to be prepared to re-think things. You can learn a lot listening to Bob, and if you don't agree or don't understand something, think about it, ask questions, test your assumptions.

 

[myfavorite]

@Bob Hawkes is always willing to share knowledge freely which many have really gained from.

Please @Bob Hawkes know that those of us with you are by far more than those that may be against. Your contributions are highly appreciated.

Thanks and do not abandon us because of the negligible minority.

 

[Corey]

say NO, to no @Bob Hawkes (love your work)

DO what is right for you!

Cheers
Corey

 

[kite26]

@Bob Hawkes From the little i know about him (reading his posts) is one of the best people here. First human and then whatever else. A community doesn't need robot-domainers with 1 million bumps!

 

[xynames]

Bob is nice guy, appears to be the type of person I'd have over for dinner and relax with in my living room. He appears to be a quality individual with integrity. Here's to Bob!

But whether he knows his stuff with regards to domaining, has nothing to do with how nice or gentlemanly a person he is. If he's offering up lengthy opinions based on theory, that are contradicted by my personal experience, I will post my contrary opinion. If this offends him or others, then we all might as well just accept everything everyone posts here at face value and not discuss it.

After all is said and done, those of us who have been involved in domaining for a long time are set in our ways. We're not really going to change what we do very much. But the newbies here, they are the primeblood of NamePros, the future generation of domainers, and if we allow countless posts from Bob or from anyone else, no matter how lengthily and politely presented, to pass without criticism, then we are doing a disservice to the newest and really, most important members of NamePros.

If I post how best to sell Ferraris, and it turns out I've never sold a Ferrari in my life, I'd expect someone to call me out. If my ideas stink, then I'd be expected to argue that they don't, but it doesn't mean that I'd have a right to cry about being picked on. Just because I present my ideas in a long drawn out manner doesn't mean that they are right.

The main thing I've noticed about Bob's posts, in case you haven't observed it yourself, is that they tend to march to a different drum from most of the seasoned professionals on here, the ones who are actually selling. Maybe you guys haven't noticed that as acutely as some of us. It would appear that Bob doesn't read what others post in a thread before he comes in with his opinion. This can be good, this can be commendable, his thoughts are often unique, but when what he posts contradicts what others of us think we know from personal experience, it's not right to come in and say that we think he's wrong?

Sometimes, yes, the discussions get a little lively, but that's not to say that anyone is putting Bob down personally.

As I've said before

The end goal is to make us all better domainers. Sometimes criticism is part of that process.