I’ve had to resign from the auDA Board. There are just some legalities to be completed tomorrow.
And so I want to say “sorry” to all those members and non-members that put their faith in me to make a difference. I feel I have let you down, and because of that, I need to explain.
At my age of life, health and family must come first. And with two heart attacks under my belt (and nine stents), if I continued slugging it out at auDA, I believe it could have killed me. That’s not being melodramatic – I love stress, but there are two types. Negative and positive. And I found the stress at auDA to be absolutely negative – which can be a killer. That’s obviously my personal opinion. Others may think differently.
Reasons
- My “colourful past” was an issue for some at auDA. I accept that – but I also believe in fairness and due process. It is what it is, and I can say no more on that.
- It also appeared that I was never going to be allowed to vote on “Direct Registrations” or any other matter where it could be perceived that I have a conflict of interest. That’s not betraying any Board confidentiality – it has been a commonly talked about issue affecting many past and current Directors. This is despite what the Constitution says at Clause 22.3 (I mean most auDA Directors are going to have some sort of interest in domain names aren’t they?)
- So back at the February Board Meeting when I was fighting my corner, I had a sudden onset migraine. Blinding pain with what turned out to be extremely high blood pressure. So I had to take an early leave. My health professionals in Townsville subsequently suggested that I quit the Board. As did my wife Frances (she who must be obeyed!). Did I listen? Half heartedly.
- Then at last week’s Board Meeting, I realised my Doctors and Frances were right. As were some of my colleagues. It would be better all-round if I was out of that environment, and so I decided to resign (subject to certain things being fulfilled).
- I’m a great believer in fate and karma, and I think I’ve made the right decision. I can be far more effective not being on the Board.
Playing The Glad Game
I love the .au space, and nobody that has known me over the past 10 years could say differently.
Whilst I must (and will) observe Boardroom confidentiality for the short period I was a Director, I will once again become a fearless advocate for what I and many others believe that auDA needs to be forthcoming in.
And that is proper process; fairness and decency, common sense, pragmatism, communication and transparency – for the benefit of all members and stakeholders in the .au space.
To me, that is positive stress. And I thrive on that.
Thank You
Firstly, thanks to my fellow Demand Class Directors Tim and Nicole. Absolute troopers and good friends. They are also trying to fight the good fight.
And to everyone that has phoned, texted and emailed me since the auDA announcement last night, I thank you so sincerely. Your support means a lot.
Best wishes.
Ned O’Meara – 4th April 2018
Disclaimer
You will be missed Ned. I didn’t want to see this happen but I understand and respect your decision. Health comes first.
Yep don’t give the bast@rds the satisfaction of dying 😉
It’s good to have you back and vocal outside the board room.
Health and family come first. You made the right call, Ned. Look after yourself! You’ve spread a lot of light in this industry where .AU is concerned. Others will step in to carry the load. Granted, it will take 10 people to replace 1 Ned O’Meara. But you’ve ensured that those 10 exist and know a thing or two.
You are a champ Ned. Take care of yourself. There is no other priority.
Jeff
I agree with all of the above comments and please stop it! You have absolutely zero reason to be “sorry” in any way, shape or form! Your voice, what you stand for and cojones is admired by many. I think everyone would agree you’ve made the right decision! Health comes first.
Thanks for all of your efforts to improve the Australian namespace. You’ve been a passionate advocate on behalf of so many stakeholders.
Health and family always come first.
Wish you all the best Ned.
Stay well Ned
Ned
You have no reason to be sorry, you have exposed and will continue to expose some glaring deficiencies in the whole Auda set up.
You rode into Auda tinsel town with Nicole along side. You both received the highest amount of votes by far ever recorded in any Auda election, that shows the support you have and the high regard you are held in.
The board should not forget that.
Your health is more important than anything else, life as well all know can be very short, old age is reserved for the lucky.
You have the support of 99% of the Domain community and they will continue to support you because we all know you have the best interests of the .au domain space at heart, as you said they were only going to gag you and you can make more noise from outside the boardroom.
Good luck and great health
Alan
Thanks for all your hard work Ned. It’s greatly appreciated. You and your family come first. Look after yourself.