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Addressing Concerns: Our Vision for Acorn Domains: A Beautiful Park for the UK Domain Industry

Helmuts

AcornDomains.co.uk
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Good morning all,

I’d like to address some concerns and clarify our recent actions, as there seems to be a misunderstanding that I am at war with some domainers (not true at all).

We are creating forums that are free of drama, accusitions and insults. There isn't anything else to it.

When you speak to a large brand and ask them to be active at a domain name forum (where their brand is discussed) - most say that this can't be done without fear of being attacked. And many damaging comments can damage their reputation and/or public image, or simply do not wish any bad conversations related to their name. Wouldn't you do the same?

I have a vision that we can have sunny, clean and pleasant forums for the industry, that are safe for every individual and business.

For example: There is St James park - fantastic, clean, beautiful, safe for children, safe for business owners, and monitored by law enforcement. In contrast, there are parks where “anything goes,” and cautious parents avoid taking their children there.

I understand that some may feel this restricts freedom of speech. I understand this. At the same time, freedom of speech should not translate into personal attacks on other members, businesses, or organizations. Such attacks cause unnecessary pain and do not solve any issues. A person or business person on the other side (also, a good person) will read those words with pain.

Acorn Domains is gradually being reformed as a clean park (the same as DNForum - we don't seem to have issues there).

We have a simple rule for all who use Acorn Domains for their business: Please be polite (not in a pub), conduct business respectfully, and avoid insults. There isn't really anything else to it.

No drama, please. No fight, please. Don't call out brand names.

I understand that ocasionally members have desire to let go their frustration. I do understand it. Publicly spoken words don't really solve anything - often are read as personal attacks on a member or business, and just make situation worse, cause more pain and people more stubborn.

If you have issues with any companies or organisations: please deal with these in private manner, and if needed and nothing else helps - you can start legal action.

I do apologise if I have acciently removed some member who wished us and me only the best. For trying to enforce this simple code of conduct, I was personally attacked from several sides - and I could potentially remove some member whom I misread as another attack on me. This is like weeding a garden - ocasionally you can remove a rose when it is surrounded by weeds. My sincere apologies for any mistakes.

I have no desire to insult with anyone. We work to live happy lives. Everyone wishes to be happy.

Acorn Domains will become such a place. Even if the price is the need to enforce these simple rules.

And thank you to all those members, who actually picked up the phone and called me being worried what is going on. Thank you!! Especially @JimDavies, thank you for trying even if, quite often, you see me as stubborn :) I really appreciate this. I have a larger mission here.

--

We are still working on the number of tasks with Acorn + we will have a new theme. There is a lot of work that is being done in the background. We are trying to complete these as soon as possible, though time is needed. This includes inability to remove past comments/started threads = there seems to be some technical issue that appeared after the update, and our @Admin has also it on his list. Categories will be reorganised. Domains unrelated to the UK will not be as much advertised as it is now. TOS to be revised. .. and more is coming. Lots is to be done :) .. work in progress.

Does this help?

I welcome your suggestions, and all I ask: please be polite. I, too, am a person - insults do hurt. Thank you for your understanding and reading me explaining the larger vision.

Have a great Monday!
Helmuts
proud Acorn

For our foreign members, a quick look into St James park (one of my favourite London parks):
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TDLR new rules;

- If a domain-related company is dishonest, lies or commits fraud, you're not allowed to tell the rest of the industry on this forum because AcornDomain wants them to be potential advertisers.

- Don't disagree with anyone and have open discussions with people you disagree with otherwise the forum will start charging for access to post.

- Helmuts and the Admins will continue making 'interesting' decisions that don't really make sense.
 
- If a domain-related company is dishonest, lies or commits fraud, you're not allowed to tell the rest of the industry on this forum because AcornDomain wants them to be potential advertisers.

Thank you for your comment. For sure, fraud is a serious issue! If you suspect fraud, I encourage you to file a report asap with the appropriate authorities. They have the resources and expertise to investigate these matters thoroughly.

I am not a judge or a policeman. We all value open communications at Acorn, though we are not equipped to act as a legal body. This forum is intended to be a professional space for respectful discussions about domain names.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure a productive and respectful environment for everyone on Acorn Domains.

Also, internet has evolved. Today, online harassment and reputation damage can have legal consequences. It is time for us evolve as well.

These are the simple rules of Acorn Domains,
Thank you,
Helmuts
 
Thank you for your comment. For sure, fraud is a serious issue! If you suspect fraud, I encourage you to file a report asap with the appropriate authorities. They have the resources and expertise to investigate these matters thoroughly.

I am not a judge or a policeman. We all value open communications at Acorn, though we are not equipped to act as a legal body. This forum is intended to be a professional space for respectful discussions about domain names.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure a productive and respectful environment for everyone on Acorn Domains.

Also, internet has evolved. Today, online harassment and reputation damage can have legal consequences. It is time for us evolve as well.

These are the simple rules of Acorn Domains,
Thank you,
Helmuts

Running a forum is far from easy. I've done it myself in the past and it's often a thankless task for little or no return. So if you can minimise the drama, perfect. And if you can make money from a forum even better.

But unfortunately you are creating the drama by what appears to be a relentless desire to make money from the forum because that means monetising the membership - "over 15.5k members" is the selling point. And you want the membership to do as it's told so nobody spooks the horses.

The internet has evolved. People can now go on social media and call out businesses for poor service, misleading information, etc., That hasn't stopped brands using social media because they can't afford not to. And having the opportunity to responds to criticism, etc., can have a positive impact because good businesses hold their hands up, admit their mistakes, address the problems, and move on. Incidentally, it also allows people to thank companies for good service, etc.,

So your argument makes little sense - unless you mean companies don't want to pay you thousands of pounds to be on a forum that might see people criticise them on it. And I get that. You want to take away the drama so you make money and you hope companies will then pay you to be on Acorn. That's your business model and good luck to you, but it is incredibly short-sighted.

It reminds me a lot of the commercialisation of football. Owners take over a football club and then do whatever they can to make money. Fans then turn on the owners because they don't want their football club to change. The big difference is that football fans are loyal to their club. Few will go and support another football club. But forums are different. Members will just go to another forum that more aligns with their needs and their values. And that's what has happened. I've been here nearly 20 years, but now I am happier posting elsewhere. I'm only posting this in the hope that you can see at least some truth in it because I think you are a genuine enough person.

So two questions to end on.

Without members, why would companies want to pay thousands to be on a forum anyway?

And, seriously, what's the point of having a beautiful park if nobody uses it?
 

The Rule #1

Do not insult any other member. Be polite and do business. Thank you!

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