Athol made a comment that we’re tiny compared to NAR. While this may be true, we are not afraid of NAR. We’ve had four law firms offer to take on the NAR on our behalf (pro bono) that believe the case could be won and/or resolved in our favor. I for one have never been afraid to fight the good fight, but in this case, having directly asked NAR legal if there was any remedy that would allow realtorgenius.com to remain open, the answer was a swift ‘no.’ NAR was made aware that I would allow the chips to fall where they may where public relations were concerned, NAR was not concerned. I simply agreed to discontinue use of the domain, and will.
Here is the positive & where you can take the stand many of you have asked me to take: with all of the publicity and having NAR legal & Public Relations’ full and upright attention, I’m inviting you to speak out in this thread. The entire post & comments in their entirety will be sent to NAR Legal, Inman News , Bloodhound Blog, & NAR Public Relations with no exception. You can speak on any issue, including trademark infringement, commissions, lack of health & life benefits, MLS control, or any other issue you see fit. We will moderate offensive language, or unprofessional off topic remarks only. Your name can be anonymous or public, that is your choice. Your private information will not be released to anyone.
Sincerely,
artist fka “Real**r Genius”
Chris Lengquist
October 4, 2007 at 1:42 pm
BR – To me you will always be known as the Artist Formerly Known As RealtorGenius. Though I do like the new “logo”. Cool.
As for the NAR, they should concern themselves with raising the woefully low education standards for real estate professionals. Not understanding agency, fiduciary duty and/or client satisfaction are so common that those flaws are taken for granted.
But NAR would rather press forward with making every man, woman and child in America a licensed agent that knows how to properly pronounce REALTOR.
Try taking on some issues that matter out here in the field. Like a government only concerned with it’s size and budget the NAR will, on occasion hit a home run. But often times is out in left field on some pork barrel project that doesn’t have any bearing on those of us selling houses, raising families and trying to stay in compliance with the IRS.
Concerned Reader
October 4, 2007 at 7:05 pm
I’m not a licensed Real**r but do work closely with industry professionals. That said, from my perspective, it is astounding that an association OF Realt**s has an entire department (or departments depending on the “infringement”) that is dedicated to suing and putting out of business the very people that pay their salaries. I understand that the NAR headquarters practically have gold toilet seats while their usefulness has been deteriorated into nothing more than an overly aggressive governing body pinning down people they feel don’t agree with them and their “talking points.”
How ironic that a contributor of Bloodhound Blog would be aggressively reprimanded rather than the thousands of domain owners that have existed happily for years. Hmmm…
I repeat what others have said- NAR should focus efforts on creating a positive image for Real**rs rather than continue 80’s marketing campaigns that promote the letter R over the practice of real estate. What a shame- the NAR could truly be an amazing association, but the dinosaur mentality is quickly proving them to be useless. I think most Real**rs could live without the $2 discount on HP products if it means not selling their sould to a “union” that refuses to protect their due paying members.
I’m not sure that a suggestion for improvement exists- I think that ship sailed over a decade ago.
Chris LaBarbera
October 4, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Its too bad that you had to change domain names…..but the PR will probrably cause your site visibility to increase drastically. Great job on the logo on the front page. Keep up the good work.
-chris
john harper
October 4, 2007 at 7:55 pm
I love the thrill (not really) when some alligator lawyer gets me on the phone and threatens to sue my pants off. Reminds me of the Redfin incident earlier in the year.
I like your new url and if this real estate gig doesn’t work out, you can always fall back on graphic design.
The NAR continues to display their lack of intelligence. Genius is not a term I would associate with them.
Brian Barringer
October 6, 2007 at 9:50 pm
How about Reeltor? realtar? reealtor? realator reltor? Would they beef with that?
Richard Johnston, RE/MAX
October 7, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Well, I think if they allowed you to get away with it, then other sites would follow and NAR would have to defend its actions. I believe most people understand that a Realtor is a member of NAR and not somebody who just holds a real estate license. There are many benefits to being a member of NAR including the California Association of Realtors, & Southland Regional Association of Realtors. It’s important the general public knows they are working with agents who hold a higher level of standard.
Richard Johnston, RE/MAX OTB Estates
San Fernando Valley REO Expert