It turns out that anyone affiliated with DS competitors are officially NOT invited.
I've communicated with Ron about this. While he agreed that I have some valid points there was no change of heart. I've given him more than ample opportunity now to discuss the matter internally and rethink their stance. Since I've not receive a reply in several days I'm airing my peace in public.
I wouldn't be upset about this except that it was never made clear that its nothing more than a DomainSponsor event. In fact the language used on their "blog" makes clear just the opposite, that the event is designed to be an open, industry wide gathering and that DS is merely the prime sponsor.
Am I wrong about this? Judge for yourselves. Selected excerpts from domainfestla.com:
"The event is meant to be a gathering of domainers for and by domainers. DomainSponsor is simply stepping up as the primary sponsor and coordinator of the event. Domainers from all areas are more than welcome to attend, but we only ask that you contact us in advance and let us know."
"The event is meant to cater to topics that domainers themselves are interested in hearing about, rather than a sales pitch from various sponsoring members."
"We are not trying to set up something exclusive, but due to limited space, we have to warn folks up front, not everyone is going to be able to be accomodated, though we'd love to have everyone who signs up be able to come."
This last one is probably my favorite:
"The quest for sponsorship is on for this gathering of domainers in Los Angeles...
So far, Domain Sponsor is on board.
We've lined up Domain Sponsor already, there's a commitment from them to back events like this.
Special thanks to Domain Sponsor for coming in to support this gathering."
Now if that alone wouldn't lead anyone to belive that the event was independent I don't know what would. But take a look at the whois:
Domain Name: domainfestla.com
Registrar: Name.com LLC
REGISTRANT CONTACT INFO
Ron Sheridan
Ron Sheridan
2801 Ocean Park Blvd
PMB 307
Santa Monica
CA
90405
US
Phone: +1.2135551212
Email Address:
[email protected]
Expiration Date: 2007-08-09 21:49:00
Creation Date: 2006-08-09 19:55:54
Name Servers:
ns1.mediatemple.net
ns2.mediatemple.net
I don't belive it can be denied that this is a DS project all the way and intended to be nothing more than a 3 day sales pitch.
I'm sure that many people, like me, will be fooled by this crap. But many will not. More than anything else I'm concerned that it will be made to seem as though DS competitors simply don't care enough to sponsor or even attend this gathering and not one word will be spoken about how they were barred from coming.
BTW, I'm not saying "don't come" to this event. I hope that everyone who makes it has a great time.