I was out of town this weekend, and as a result, I didn’t really get a chance to go through my emails from Friday through Sunday until late last night. In this big batch of emails, there were three emails asking for my advice on issues that aren’t really in my wheelhouse. There was a technical question, a SEO question, and a legal question.
As much as it’s easier to ask a domain investor who has a public presence, you are far more likely to get an accurate answer by emailing an expert, instead of someone who might not have the expertise. For legal questions, you should always email a domain lawyer. Even if you believe I have a good idea of an answer, it really makes not sense to ask me because I am not a lawyer nor do I have any legal training.
Just as I am a domain investor with some level of expertise in this business, there are others who are experts in their particular fields, and it would behoove you to ask them industry-specific questions. It might cost you a bit of money to get an answer from an expert, but if you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on a website, or if you have a legal issue, wouldn’t it be better to spend a small amount of money getting an expert answer than asking a non-expert and getting a free answer? In other words, my “free” answer to a SEO question may end up costing you more if I happen to give advice that isn’t correct 🙂
BTW, for domain-related questions, you are far more likely to get an in-depth answer on DomainQuestions.com than by emailing me. I no longer offer private domain consulting, and I am more likely to post an answer that others can read and see on DomainQuestions.com.
They are asking you for FREE advice!
If they asked a expert, they would have to pay.
And being a domainer, everyone knows, domainers don’t like to pay shit for anything!!.
So I am sure the questions will continue to roll your way as long as you give away free advice, even if at the end you say consult a expert/lawyer for your own research.
Im sure you asked for people for free advice one time or another.
As always though I follow this simple rule, you get what you pay for.
@ Reagan
Of course, but I only if I knew them, and I generally always asked to pay/compensate them for their time. I HATE feeling like I am in debt or owe someone something. I am uncomfortable taking things from others, and I value the time of others because I appreciate the same.
I have a few South Florida city sites and occasionally will receive inquiries from individuals who want to make reservations at local parks for a party or wedding, have a birthday party for a child, inquire about athletic activities, etc. Oftentimes I cannot help them and just have to refer them to another source.
p.s. Noone cared about whether the site was a .COM or not. They were just looking for info on a particular topic.