Godaddys Biggest Mistake Ever

For many years we have been supporters of Bob Parsons, having watched Godaddy evolve. In fact, his “16 Rules of Success” is framed on our office wall. Unfortunately all that business experience has now fallen by the wayside.

Earlier today we discovered a video clip whereby CEO Bob Parsons took a trip “to Zimbabwe and hunt problem elephant“. Caution: The video is very graphic and may offend some viewers.

After watching the video we decided that we could not support an organisation that engages in such practises and have commenced moving our domain name portfolio to other registrars.

Media Coverage

It seems that over the course of the day, the mainstream media has picked up this story with coverage in:

1. LA Times – Bob Parsons under fire for Zimbabwe elephant-hunting video

2. TMZ – ‘GoDaddy.com’ Elephant Killer — PETA Is Extorting Me

3. PETA – In this letter, awarded Parsons the “first-ever Scummiest CEO of the Year Award”.

Is The Elephant Endangered?

The IFAW lists the African elephant as “Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). It is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora except for populations in those countries (Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia) which were reclassified to Appendix II.”

Note that Zimbabwe “reclassified” the African Elephant. Of course, this is the country run by President (some would say Dictator) Robert Mugabe.

Where Do I Move My Domains?

Godaddys competitors have also publicly denounced Parsons actions and are giving away domains at below their cost. Earlier this evening we received an email from NameCheap titled “Transfer for $4.99 and Help Save the Elephants”.

“Transfer your domains to Namecheap for $4.99 for the next 24 hours through 11:59pm EST on 3/31/11 (limit 10 per user, valid for all com/net/org domains). On top of that, we’ll donate $1 for each transfer to Save The Elephants. Use coupon code BYEBYEGD and let’s help the Elephants together!”

What Do You Think?

Are you moving your portfolio away from Godaddy? Is this really about “protecting crops” or just an excuse to travel to another (perhaps “less regulated”) part of the world and shoot high powered weapons at large animals?

Have your say, post a comment below and let us know.

More Lies and Coverups

This is a great analysis of the Schwartz / Ruddell issue in which an employee allegedly accessed a Moniker customer’s account.

The article goes deep into the ethics and what you REALLY agree to when you register a domain name.

When Offline Marketing Fails

This massive billboard caught our attention recently. It lasted a few weeks (on a busy highway) and is a textbook case of what NOT to do when it comes to promoting your website. This would have a cost the company a truckload of money.

What’s wrong with it? Look at the ad for 2 seconds, then scroll down (so you cannot see the ad anymore) and answer these questions:

1. Who is the company?

2. What is the name of their website?

3. What are the features of their product?

4. What action am I supposed to take?

So…how many questions did you get right?

For the record, we don’t know the company, but can only assume they were brainwashed by some dodgy Internet marketers with a degree in hair product. It’s a real shame, as small business can get the wrong impression that “this internet thing” doesn’t work.