You just know that certain people don’t want you on the auDA Board when they start “spreading dirt” to others. Particularly when they send emails to other bloggers from fake email addresses. Or when they leak “information” about my background to fellow members (and friends of mine).
We’ve got a fairly good idea who is behind the smear campaign, and all I say to them is this: You are gutless wonders. But then you know that already don’t you? If you want to have a go at me, show some “cojones”, and put your real identity to the comments.
Play the ball and not the man.
Think about this for a moment. Who would it benefit least for me to be on the auDA Board? Why would they be worried? It shouldn’t take you long to come up with a few suspects.
What’s The Dirt?
As I say on Grumpy.com.au, I’ve been an entrepreneur for nearly all my adult life. And I’m turning 61 in a few weeks, so I’ve been around a while.
Apart from a brief stint in the Army and at AV Jennings many years ago, I’ve always worked for myself and employed others.
I’ve made and lost several fortunes. And I’ve failed a few times (many years ago). Yep, let’s get that “B” word out there – I’ve been bankrupt in the past. Am I ashamed and embarrassed by that? Of course I am – but I’m sure I’m not the only person this has happened to! This is the dirt that my “opponents” seek to spread. That because of my past I’m not a “fit and proper person to be a director of a company of national importance”.
But I’m not a failure. Far from it. Every time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve managed to get up – and start again more intelligently. I now have a great credit rating, and a good reputation. You just have to look at the many testimonials from people that have dealt with me in the internet world over the past decade.
I also consider myself a decent human being, and a straight shooter. I treat people as they treat me. My word is my bond.
If my revelations (or those of my opponents) makes you think less of me, then so be it. If it makes you think I won’t be a good Director, then obviously you don’t have to vote for me (if you’re an auDA member).
In my opinion, it is because of my background that I will make a good Director at auDA. I’ve been in the arena! I’ve learnt from my mistakes. Plus have a look at all the auDA panels and working groups I’ve participated in over the years. My experience and advocacy in the domain industry makes me your quintessential Demand Class candidate.
So you be the judge – what do you say?
Ned O’Meara – 8th November 2017
Disclaimer
Little doubt from AUDA insiders?
Get a grip guys, Ned & Nicole are coming, reform is coming, either deal with it or resign!
Ned, this is one of the best posts you have written. I commend your courage in airing this. Some people like getting in the gutter.
Good luck mate.
Jeff
@ Jeff – your support is much appreciated. 🙂
Hey Ned,
You are not the only one who has been Bankrupt before.
I have the dubious honour of joining you in that regard. But I try not to let it define me if people want to throw it in your face, it’s their problem, not yours.
What I would say is this, we need people to “Try” in our world – because it’s the only way mankind as a whole can progress and move forward. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
I believe you would make an excellent board member, and while I may also be running, I have a great deal of respect Ned.
Head high mate.
Craig
@Craig – you’ve made my day. 🙂
Sincere thanks for your integrity.
Ned
You have my full support.
We all have learning experiences in life and I am sure that experience has taught you well.
You will make you a valuable member of the Board.
Your word is truly your bond and that means a lot.
Nicole
Thank you for your kind words and support Nicole.
I also note the bs recommended by simon that if you have been convicted of an offence by a foreign nation you can be banned from being a member too.
Any foreign nation and any offence. And regardless of whether you have paid for that offence. Sounds like a double punishment.
There are a number of people who do not like Chris Disspain (former auDA CEO). I believe Simon Johnson is one of these. Ron Andruff is another.
This recent DomainIncite post is interesting. Good to see CD volunteer for a probity check.
Also good to see Kevin Murphy refuse to publish allegations and “smear” from anonymous keyboard warriors.
The information requested here https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/au_historical_financial_irregula is a valid FOI request and it does show independent investigations done highlight issues auDA needs to continue to address and most probably Icann should also be made aware of.
It is also an interesting situation with the links between auDA and Icann relating to money and people.
It is a shame it takes such an FOI process for accountability and transparency to even get some chance of being unhidden.
It does not matter who did the FOI in this case, they are asking for documents auDA and possibly the government should be released.
Those independent forensic accounting investigations etc probably cost a fortune. who pays? the .au consumer again of course out of the auDA piggy bank.
Who pays all of the FBT? Did auDA have to pay it from their piggy bank… the .au domain name registrant consumers money again?
Who and why do some people not want this information requested released? https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/au_historical_financial_irregula
@David. I agree.
And what is also important here is the relevance of any offence.
I knew from my first dealings with you that you were a “B” word.
Although I think it’s more accurate to characterise you as a grumpy old “B” word!
Hope you grind <em>them</em> down 😉
@David – I’m going to have to send some anonymous tips to auDA about you. 😉
Ned, in the years that I’ve known you, you’ve always acted with the utmost integrity; and I know beyond a doubt that you’re a man of your word.
We’ve done business deals on a handshake or a conversation, and I would do so again with no hesitation.
It’s shameful that some people would attempt to smear your character with dirty tactics. Ironically, it will only serve to do the opposite – as I know there are many people (myself included) who would testify to your good character and integrity.
Many business owners and entrepreneurs have failed or declared bankruptcy in the past. Here’s an excerpt from an article that I published some time ago:
Thank you for the kind words Luke. Very much appreciated – and as usual, full of common sense!
Your a braver man than I Ned.
206B of the Corporations Act is very clear about it; Your well within you rights to run as a Director if its discharged. If only Directors were as open and transparent about their qualifications, business history, and financial history as you have been.
It doesn’t change my vote. BUT, if tomorrow I read that you’ve gone and disclosed the colour of of your jocks, that will end it. Ok!
Well handled. Confirms my vote as well. Pox on whoever stoops so low.
What a disgrace. No doubt the gutless people behind this have never taken a business risk in their lives.
One of my favourite quotes comes from Sir Stirling Moss, one of the oldest surviving grand prix winners:
“To achieve anything great, you must be prepared to dabble on the boundary of disaster.”
Although it comes from racing, it translates very well to business.
As with other commenters above, I’ve also done deals with Ned and have never doubted his integrity or trustworthiness.
If Ned’s opponents are stooping to such low, pathetic tactics, it just shows how weak they are.
Conversely, Ned’s response shows only his strength.
Shane, thank you.