I understand the domains are like that for tracking puposes…but its just the wrong way to do it in my opinion.

As far as “leading a horse to water”…horse’s won’t find the bucket of water, unless you let them know were its at. If they know were its’a at and you keep in the same place…no need to lead them to it. I should know, I worked at the horse racetrack here in So. California for 14 years…LOL

Peace,
Dan

Monte. As always you did your best.

Dan. Your examples of domains on tv are used for tracking purposes. For example, I sold crazyfox.com to one such company and now I see on tv they use things like 12crazyfox.com on certain channels or at certain times. If you look they’ve registered hundreds of variations. The ning and zillow example: The VCs invest in business plans and if the execution doesn’t require a great domain than so be it. There are companies investing in ideas built around solid domains. Netshops and csnstores for example. Thanks for all the comments. I think your intent and ieals with the education thing are great, but from my experience I also feel the “you can’t lead a horse to water” works in this case.

not my cup of tea in terms of timing and promotion…but still manged to sell 22% of the list. Already positioned them for much better scheduling and promotion for January.

will get better and bigger. first TRAFFIC was $45K.

I will be the first to admit, I expected much more out of what is supposed to be a much more sophisticated group….but it is what it is.

I guess it all comes down to this.

Would it be better to sell a domain name like attorney.com at auction 3 months for $3M with 3 bidders bidding on the domain. Or would it be better to sell the same domain 18 months from now for $12M with 20+ bidders bidding on the same domain?

Domain “investors” are not the only one’s we need at these auctions. And in order to change the landscape and attendence at domain auctions, The “big players” in our Industry, need to step up to the plate and cultivate interest outside the domain space.

This can be done now…to speed up the domain name resell market and get it were it needs to be in 1 or 2 years…as opposed to doing nothing and letting it take 5-6 years.

Best,
Dan

I then decided to see what Adam had written on the subject. After reading Adam’s comments I felt there was no need for my posting on the subject. He nailed it! I too was concerned right away when the auction wasn’t starting on time due to the “cocktail party”. When the first domain (AffiliateConventions.com) went on the auction block I hoped for Monte and the domain sellers that my instinct was wrong. When the high bid was only $700 (at an affiliate convention) I knew it was going to get ugly.

There where many telling comments made by Monte and Langbaum in addition to the quotes Adam has provided. Here are a few:

“…cruisin’ now.” –Monte
Upon the $1500 sale of LawyerBlog.com to Frank Shilling.

“One in a row.” –Langbaum
When GasolineCreditCard.com sold for $5500 and broke a 21 domain dry spell.

“I can’t believe this.” –Langbaum
After AffiliateMaketingAdvertising.com failed to receive any bids.

“Meow” –Langbaum
As everyone passed on Cats.com

“We need ten of those.” -Monte
While trying to lighten the mood during the attempted sale of PinaColadas.com

“And three for me” –Langbaum
In response to Monte’s pina colada comment, while trying to a get a drink (or three) to quench a well earn thirst.

Sailing into uncharted territory in business is risky. I applaud Moniker in there successes AND their learning experiences. It takes great deal of vision and confidence to do what they have done in this new world of domain name investing. However, I am grateful that none of my domains were in this auction. My condolences go out to those brave domaineers that set low or no reserve prices hoping for a monumental sale. Keep on dreaming big… paradise could be right over the horizon.

I am not saying, they need to stop the domain conferences and auctions they are currently having and that are successful. And they continue on with their business as usual. None of the companies I mentioned have any problem feeding their employees…and just by holding a few other conferences a year is not going to effect them in a negative way.

“”I think you have some good points, BUT what is there to “educate” people about domains? What haven’t they been able to figure out from the media and from the successes of others over the last +10 years?”"

You would be surprised at what they know. For example you still have millions of dollars in venture capital going to start ups with domains like “zollow” and “ning” and other really bad names.

What seems obvious to you and me, is not and has not been obvious to most people. I saw an ad for a SEO company today on CNBC and they wanted everyone to go to a domain like: http://www.12.settechnow.com…are you kidding me…a SEO company?

There are a lot companies out there who bought generic domain’s during the Internet bubble of 1999…that don’t have any idea they still own them…or at least they don’t act like they know…because they are not even using them as a “re-direct” to their company website.

Trust me…”ignorance is bliss” for a most of the potential domain “end-users” out there.

“”They all are competing for the same piece of that pie.”"

I think its more like they are competing in the same space…and each owns different parts of the “pie” which includes you and I and every other domain name owner.

Doing what I suggest, does not in anyway effect their “piece” of the pie at all negatively…and can only have a positive effect on the domain name industry as a whole.

I say they should have this collaboration…because it helps all of them individually and as a whole.

5 guys could get together and do the whole thing themselves, if all these companies would sponsor them.

Peace,
Dan