My reason for this question is that being new to this industry, I have spent a lot of time reading the posts,journals and anything I can get my hands on to inform and enlighten me. I have also checked out the various forums and one common thread (pun intended) that runs through them is that Domainers are always on the defensive and looking over their shoulders. Ever fearful of other businesses. Is the business legit or not? Does the average Domainer see himself as a business person or a lottery player? Making business decisions or taking a chance?
It's like a speak-easy, where you are doing something legitimate but you want no one to know, everything is hush-hush. A certain paranoia, everyone is out to get you. Others seem to think Domaining is something like prostitution. It pays the bill but you won't put it on your CV. Pardon me if I have gotten it wrong as I an new to this and I am just putting a newbie perspective but I ask "How can people who spend millions upon millions on domains, be so timid and unsure."
Sure you guys (gals) are aggressive in matters related to domains with each other but I was quite surprised in reading threads related to Registrars losing domains or not honoring won auctions,tardiness in releasing domains, companies claiming trademark infringements etc...the ease in which Domainers gave up their domains (property) or were advised to, citing "you will only lose reg fee". I know others would say, so what's the big deal. I say "Time, Knowledge, Management, Money".
Time: I feel if a survey was carried out no one group spends more time online than Domainers. Doing research etc...and time is money.
Knowledge: It takes plenty of knowledge of trends, market forces, people's behavior etc...to decide if a domain is worth it. All professionals value their knowledge, why shouldn't Domainers.
Management: Do you know what it's like keeping track of 1000's of domain names. Granted most processes are automated but following up on offers and other related issues still calls for management skill, good or bad.
Money: Quality domains cost money,the ROI is better than most industries. Investments should be taken seriously.
No brick and mortar guy would relinquish his property so easily.
In respect of TM issues am I to understand that if a company called "Must Have My Name" trademarks iMINE and does not have an online presence and you as a Domainer says "iMINE" is a good acronym, it sounds good,easy to remember,it is pleasant on the eyes and it can stand for many things I will register it.Later "Must Have My Name" wants an online presence, checks on the acronym "iMINE" sees it is registered and decides to come after the Domainer that he should simply hand it over.
This is where the legitimacy and respect comes in IMHO, Domainers have the right to claim the internet real estate (domains) which belongs to no one. It's the only place in the world where the playing field is (should be) level. Hey, North America was colonized, people got land (which the Native American owned) free, I haven't read anywhere where the Native Americans were paid for it at the time. Try getting that land or payment from the descendants of the first settlers,it would be World War 3 I tell you. For me the internet real estate (domains) should be on a first come, first serve basis. No company or individual should be able to come after the fact and claim rights to a domain. If they want it buy it.
Question:
Can a Domainer go to a bank and get a loan with his portfolio?
Can a Domainer get a mortgage on the value of his domains?
I know that there are Domain Brokers etc...but do financial institutions see Domaining as legitimate businesses?
Are they any "pure" domaining businesses listed on any stock exchange?
By pure I mean that own domain names only and not like Registrars or companies that have merged vertically etc.
Are Domainers respected as business people ? You tell me.
All these questions may have been answered but as I said I am new to
this, so I crave your indulgence.
Cheers...
It's like a speak-easy, where you are doing something legitimate but you want no one to know, everything is hush-hush. A certain paranoia, everyone is out to get you. Others seem to think Domaining is something like prostitution. It pays the bill but you won't put it on your CV. Pardon me if I have gotten it wrong as I an new to this and I am just putting a newbie perspective but I ask "How can people who spend millions upon millions on domains, be so timid and unsure."
Sure you guys (gals) are aggressive in matters related to domains with each other but I was quite surprised in reading threads related to Registrars losing domains or not honoring won auctions,tardiness in releasing domains, companies claiming trademark infringements etc...the ease in which Domainers gave up their domains (property) or were advised to, citing "you will only lose reg fee". I know others would say, so what's the big deal. I say "Time, Knowledge, Management, Money".
Time: I feel if a survey was carried out no one group spends more time online than Domainers. Doing research etc...and time is money.
Knowledge: It takes plenty of knowledge of trends, market forces, people's behavior etc...to decide if a domain is worth it. All professionals value their knowledge, why shouldn't Domainers.
Management: Do you know what it's like keeping track of 1000's of domain names. Granted most processes are automated but following up on offers and other related issues still calls for management skill, good or bad.
Money: Quality domains cost money,the ROI is better than most industries. Investments should be taken seriously.
No brick and mortar guy would relinquish his property so easily.
In respect of TM issues am I to understand that if a company called "Must Have My Name" trademarks iMINE and does not have an online presence and you as a Domainer says "iMINE" is a good acronym, it sounds good,easy to remember,it is pleasant on the eyes and it can stand for many things I will register it.Later "Must Have My Name" wants an online presence, checks on the acronym "iMINE" sees it is registered and decides to come after the Domainer that he should simply hand it over.
This is where the legitimacy and respect comes in IMHO, Domainers have the right to claim the internet real estate (domains) which belongs to no one. It's the only place in the world where the playing field is (should be) level. Hey, North America was colonized, people got land (which the Native American owned) free, I haven't read anywhere where the Native Americans were paid for it at the time. Try getting that land or payment from the descendants of the first settlers,it would be World War 3 I tell you. For me the internet real estate (domains) should be on a first come, first serve basis. No company or individual should be able to come after the fact and claim rights to a domain. If they want it buy it.
Question:
Can a Domainer go to a bank and get a loan with his portfolio?
Can a Domainer get a mortgage on the value of his domains?
I know that there are Domain Brokers etc...but do financial institutions see Domaining as legitimate businesses?
Are they any "pure" domaining businesses listed on any stock exchange?
By pure I mean that own domain names only and not like Registrars or companies that have merged vertically etc.
Are Domainers respected as business people ? You tell me.
All these questions may have been answered but as I said I am new to
this, so I crave your indulgence.
Cheers...
