If this was not clear enough by now let me clear it up once and for all: We’re not in a popularity contest. Not one person on earth made it to the top by not being laughed at. The more you laugh the more assurance I have we’re doing the right thing. While you, whoever you are, have the time and need to laugh at us behind our back we’re busy actually doing, creating, investing, inventing, building.
Back stabbing in the domain space isn’t something new really. Back in the days on Rick’s board (when I was active there) there were few groups who behind the scenes were united against others. Today while not on the board there, the same groups, and new ones, exist as well. I have no desire nor interest to name names. If it makes you happy to bad-mouth one another so be it. I’m actually too busy doing, building, then to pay an extra second to this nonsense.
This industry is just like any other industry. There’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good are your close friends who have been there for years, people who genuinely care about you, share information with you, likely know your family, and in general are there when you need, if not with money then with invaluable advice. The bad? Where do I start? domain hijackers, thieves, and manipulators of all sorts. And the ugly? Bad-mouthing is the norm, backstabbing? why not. They are busy criticizing, mainly because of jealousy, personal insecurities, inability to create on their own, grow.
Rick Schwartz, the one person who did more for the domain industry then any single individual in the space, knows what I’m talking about quite well. Constant attacks, blog and forum posts, videos, and lately even physical threats. Where are we going with it? My suggestion, if this happens to you, keep the eyes on the ball, ignore the noise because all those are nothing but noise, voices in their own darkness screaming for attention, and the moment you give them that attention you give them a reason for their existence.
Not now, not ever.
Have a great day,
Sahar
Who exactly physically threatened Rick?
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To the best of my knowledge, one of the mods at NamePros, the person behind “The Angry Domainer” videos.
Sahar
Sahar, don’t forget that a lot of us in the industry look up to you and admire the leaders who have accomplished a lot. There’s two sides to every coin…
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Thanks Jeff, that’s encouraging to hear, especially today.
Cheers
Sahar
Sahar:
I enjoy reading your posts and hearing about new developments within your organizations. There is always wisdom to be absorbed from your posts and I appreciate that. In 1972, the O’Jays wrote a song about the types of people you reference in your post. The O’Jays called them “BackStabbers.” I believe the hook was: ” . . . smiling in your face–all the time trying to take your place . . .”
Today, I think these same people are called “Haters.” Recently, in my dealings with others I have been forced to recognize a more clandestine fringe of “BackStabbers” that I call “closethaters” because these are usually people that float within and without the rings of your circles. Oftentimes these are people whom we might of thought of as friends, associates, etc. Unfortunately, these people fail to recognize their own pathologies and shortcomings. I agree that this type of thing usually doesn’t warrant or merit a response.
In this world, Haters are like crabs in a bucket left on the beach at sunrise . . . when you return at sunset all of the crabs will still be there because as soon as one gets to the top, the other crabs will pull it back down.
Peace
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Thanks for the history lesson !
Sahar
It is human nature; there would always be enemies of progress where ever some are succeeding. It is up to the achievers not to let the distractors prevail. - Seyi
Ironically, another thread was started on that forum a few hours later asking why “top domainers don’t take part there more often”. Duh. Do you *really* need to ask?
One administrator (not moderator), *admin*, starts these stupid videos and uses the site to promote them while another posts a member’s private info publicly, apparently because they did not like being challenged.
You took your eye off the ball RJ. I respect you personally a great deal, but you let these morons ruin what you built. Namepros has become a joke. There is nothing there, there’s no substance, just jealous petty people trying to pull down success because that’s easier than working to achieve it.
Agreed Sahar on many levels. Many times you are better off not watching others, but actually DOING for yourself. That way you constantly reinvent and are a leader, not a follower and constantly a generation behind.
Sahar,
You, Rick, Frank, Ron and other industry leaders should never become affected by the self-impressed pundits trying to tear your personalities, methods or styles down. We may have our differences with style or tenor, but every one of you have valuable lessons to impart to the newbie, the semi-skilled, and the more experienced domainer.
Keep the positive flowing…thanks for blogging!
fred
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Thanks Fred for that. I’m sure many bloggers over the years have gave up blogging because of this one issue. For me, when I think of shutting down the blog I immediately think of that one person I may one day help, and that keeps me going strong.
Thanks for the support, much appreciated.
Sahar
Agree 110%.
Sahar,
I read your blog everyday but don’t leave comments too often. I think most people look up to you and respect you, your team, your businesses and your vision.
Those that “laugh behind your back” are probably just more vocal or maybe it’s just the fact that negative comments spread more than positive comments?
I sat between you and Darren at TRAFFIC (October 2006 if I remember right) and you told me you were working on FuneralHomes.com but didn’t say much more than that since you were still in stealth mode or underground.
Still, I was impressed with your demeanor and could sense the passion and vision even though you were playing it close to the vest.
So, I have been a big fan of this blog but never really said it. I guess this is a good reason for me to give you a “Give ‘em hell” and an “Atta boy”
Keep up the good work and keep blogging. Don’t go silent like Frank (not a slam against Frank… I just miss his insight).
Okay everybody… back to work!
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Thanks Rob for the nice words here, highly appreciated! Just heads up, we have three new directories in the works, launching sometime in the next 30-45 days (Veterinarians, Rental properties, Property appraisals). And FYI FuneralHomes.com, the business is highly profitable by now. I will ask Darren to write more about it in the future for a guest post.
Cheers
Sahar
Anyone who laughs behind your back will never achieve anything more than being jealous of your success.
Sahar,
I visit your blog and many other of the industry leaders on a daily basis, everyone that comes here want or to anothe domainers blog is looking for a way help to make themself better at what they do and learn from the experts.
These people who threaten Rick because he calls himself the “Domain King” are a JOKE! Who are they? What have they done? - The answer “……….” Nothing they dont have the pride to show there face or actually admit who they are!
I am a young domainer, I have only been in this business for around 3years but if I achieve 1% of what Rick, Frank, Kevin, Rick L, Castello Bros and you I shall be one happy domainer!
We dont need to listen this noise in the background and we should all just forgot about these silly little people who want ATTENTION!
Keep up the excellent posts and I look forward to using BIDO.
Regards,
Robbie
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Thanks Robbie for the kind words, much appreciated. With that approach to business (and life) I have no doubt you will do very well in this game.
Sahar
Great post Sahar!
Two quotes come to mind:
1.) Criticizing another’s garden does not keep the weeds out of your own.
2.) No one can improve his work by tearing down the work of another.
Thanks for the blog and the time you spend on it.
Steve
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Thanks Steve, great quotes!
Sahar
Even the great Frank Sinatra wrote a blurb in one of his songs about the haters:
‘That’s Life”
I said that’s life, and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks,
Stompin’ on a dream
But I don’t let it, let it get me down,
‘Cause this fine ol’ world it keeps spinning around
I say the best revenge is success!
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It probably is Matt, as there are not much alternatives.
Cheers
Sahar
Whatever we put our attention on grows strongest in our lives. Our attention is the needed water and essential fuel that makes it all work and grow. Your attention is very, very powerful Sahar. You nourish all the people around you and all the projects that come to your precious and powerful attention on a daily basis. I have seen it first hand. Practically each day you create another potential earth changing development or industry first. Some will grow, some will have a timing that has not yet come. That is the nature of business. All are extremely good ideas because they came from you. A smart, energetic, practical, creative and heartwarming leader among men.
What you are currently doing with your directories is pure genius. A mixing of the old and the new to create a whole greater than the sum of the parts. Not just potential cash cows but cash herds. As a friend that respects you and your numerous accomplishments to date so very much, I suggest you do one thing. “Break the rear view mirror.” Competition is for the competent. Don’t even bother looking who is behind you. You Sahar are competent as defined by a stock character that can do anything perfectly, and/or exhibits a very wide range of abilities and knowledge. Critics build nothing. You’re miles ahead in what you do and don’t get discouraged because a few feel the need to pick on the leaders of the pack to feel they are in the race.
Stick to your bliss. Create up a storm my friend. Don’t entertain any negativity. Try every idea that comes to mind and is presented to you and gets you excited. This industry loves you and rightly so. You are a great uplifting and unifying influence in all that you do. I am proud to know you and hope to have the good fortune and golden opportunity to invest my time, money and attention on your many future projects that will NO DOUBT, change the world as we know it. You have already done so with so many accomplishments and this ability will only grow in time and wisdom. Thank you for sharing yourself with us each day and thank you for putting yourself out there so the rest of us can learn, grow and be more of what we were meant to be. You are the man. Don’t even give it a second thought. Enjoy, love, create, appreciate, give thanks, play and make money. The world is yours.
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Thanks Chris a million times, you know whenever I lose a little momentum (I think we all do) all I need to do is find your posts and read few lines - it puts me right back on track!
Thanks for being yourself Chris, it is my honor to call you a friend.
Sahar
Amen,You are speaking to the choir. There are what I call cyber bullies in a lot of the forums in our Industry. The verbal attacks by some forum members become quite vindictive, and the worst part is as you are being attacked, you all of a sudden become an attacker on the defense, and the energy can consume even nice people to become assholes.
I experienced a pattern of agression on one forum that ended in my expulsion from the forum, which was a blessing in disguise. I no longer had to put up with the catchy energy that agression brings with it. We all experience small victories and lots of huge challenges in our efforts to develop financial models for our domain name holdings. The best approach is keep your focus on developing your model and not on petty political sqwabblings, with people who are more focused on failure, than the pursuit of success.
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It’s why I blog and not participate in forums anymore. Here, if someone attacks me within the Comments area (it happens all the time) I or our moderators don’t approve the comments. Better control which leads to productivity.
Cheers
Sahar
gossip/backstabbing occurs in all facets of life - people that engage in this type of activity are shallow and lack self-confidence - plus it’s absolutely counterproductive.
stay positive.
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Agree on so many levels.
Cheers
Sahar
Hi Sahar,
There are two ways you can view these morons!
Either as the thorns that deflate you or the pricks that spur you on. (Excuse my French)
I vote for the latter.
Onwards and upwards Sahar.
Regards
Ed
OzDomainer
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Thanks Ed
Sahar
Sahar,
Let them laugh .. who cares.
We know who are successful and who are not. I enjoy reading your blog and continue to learn.
more power to you,
Emil
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Thanks Emil, much appreciated.
Sahar
Sahar, I know exactly how you feel. I’ve had it happen to me throughout life. I go into a business and people tell me that I’m crazy. They talk behind my back, saying I will fail, almost wishing I will fail. Yet, despite it all, I continue to succeed. I learned a long time ago not to care and realized that they are all jealous. They try to make up for the fact that they haven’t accomplished much with their own lives by putting down others who are out there, as you put it, creating and building. If they would be willing to work as hard and take risks, they’d have something to show for themselves, too. You are doing amazing things-you are an inspiration to us all. Your help and guidance is second to none. I feel sorry for whoever doesn’t wish you well-I personally hope that everyone around me succeeds in life. I surround myself with positive people and steer clear of those who aren’t.
Keep inspiring all of us. I hope and wish we are all successful beyond our wildest dreams.
Lonnie
Jeff Bezos was a fool…
Ford was a business rebel…
The Google boys were search radicals…
Work hard. Try new ideas. Fail fast and move on. Build on and multiply your successes. Ignore the advice of others who’ve not succeeded following their own advice.
Be a fool. Be a rebel. Be a radical.
In a world of lambs, be a lion.
Be a Sahar.
Your experience, advice, and examples are invaluable.
But only to those wise enough to pay attention.
Thank you.
“The higher you are on the mountain, the stronger the wind.”
- Malcolm Forbes
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I’ll remember that one, thanks for sharing.
Sahar
Sahar - GREAT post - stand your ground and do not worry about the minds that are full of Negativity and constantly bitch (are not happy and want to be in your place).
I personally do not agree with Rick Schwartz when he makes a statement that he is the Domain name King since history has proven so that the people which call them selves great are actually dictators History has proven so.
When a person expresses itself as a King it looks down upon others as they are a second class people - which is not TRUE - EVEN KINGS WILL DIE so they are people like others NOT SPECIAL AT ALL.
You Sahar and many others including all of us the domain name owners / investors have contributed to the domain name industry alot.
One man can NOT make a change all he can is inspire others to follow his way if it is the “right” way.
Who exactly physically threatened Rick?
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To the best of my knowledge, one of the mods at NamePros, the person behind “The Angry Domainer”? videos.
Sahar
—
you have prove? (I don’t post there much)
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That person admitted it. I believe the issue is now with attorneys unless things change last 48 hours.
Sahar