***SMO***

Wow, is all I can say. Very productive!

From my perspective you have already accomplished something that was never done up until this time and you should be highly commended. You have successfully created a community that is inclusive of all geo owners rather then focus on TLD exclusivity as others have done, you have correctly emphasized the fact that all geo domains, both generics and longtails dispite TLD, can be monetized if developed properly, and fulfill valuable niches in the local media space.

More importantly I think geo owners are starting to realize that when it comes to being in the same markets, whether one owns the .com, .net, .tv or any other TLD there will be a role for these prime generics and in fact, I see a future where Geo Owners in many cases will be able to work together providing unique services or perhaps original content in the same market and create additional revenue streams that all we benefit from.

We may be some time away from this and we all know the tremendous advantage that exists in the .com space, but IMO it would be naive to think that as time goes on other prime  city generic TLD’s will not find a role and with the proper development. We already see this in a market like Tulsa, where Tulsa.com is successful as well as Tulsa.tv which actually gets almost twice the traffic now despite starting with very little type in traffic based on its development and branding in the local market.

As the years go by, aside from the obvious threats we face via potential legislation changes, IMO we will eventually realize that bigger threat is that of companies like Google and Yahoo, and people that want to take our domains, and that there is far more to be gained by ALL geo owners working together IMO

We have bigger issues to worry about then each other and I think Steve you have been instrumental in stating this message and starting the difficult process of bringing us all together into a community.

I think the you are a true trailblazer Steve and as time moves forward in the coming years it will be more apparent as to just how much of a visionary you are. Already, you have made successful people that have been in the space for years rethink how geo spaces operates.

Thanks!

Brian

**SMO**

Brian,

Thank you for your kind words. The only way to defeat corporate america is thru a unified front. I agree with your post 100% when you say that every geo tld will play a role where each can feed each other content and improve revenue. This is the network we want to build and help others build. There are alot of close minded people, who want to focus on them and them only. Hopefully, we can break this mold that has been the industry standard for all these years. It makes no sense to do things on your own, when you a everyone trying to do the same thing.

Well written post Brian!

Thanks.

**SMO**

David, no need to thanks. Both of you have executed actions that have spoken louder than words. A rare characteristic.

The truth is always in the pudding!

All whom you have mentioned plus some have been a Great inspiration and helpful at any instance, sharing their time and blogging to help, inform & inspire.

As I have grown and Grow in this Industry, it’s because of this time they have taken to help me understand what I need to know without thought of “What’s in it for me” Ask Frank a question, in a NY minute he’ll answer….
Thank You to all.

Frank R

***SMO***

Thank you Frank. You will come across many people out there that will twist the facts about individuals, I recommend looking at the bottom line to see if there is truth in the acqusations. See what people have given, compared to what they have taken from individuals by offering advice. One thing is certain, people change as they gain more experience in life. At one time, I am sure all leaders mentioned may have made several of bad decisions, in which they regret. The things that were once important as young men; money, success, and women, ware off when you get older and meet true leaders who trully give 100% asking nothing in return. These people in the end are the most successful people you will ever encounter, maybe not by their bank account, but being trusted by thousands. Integrity and selfless service are priceless.

Thank you again for your words.

***SMO***

Thanks Jamie. For every action there is a reaction. I honetly believe the more you give the more you will receive and be blessed. In the end, it is better to have lived life giving and never receiving than to receive and never give.

I think those people like Ron Jackson, Sahar Sarid and Frank Schilling have GREAT quality’s as Leaders but then again there are others which I have not mentioned (great leaders are great because they do not ask to be glorified - true leadership comes from the HEART).

***SMO***

This is true, true leaders become glorified because of the people they inspire. Not because they chose to be.