I understand WebCat's concern, and agree on some level.
I would like the idea of dnforum partnering with a separate company (which is what I originally thought the idea was), but having it be one-and-the-same would be a conflict of interest. I feel forums ALREADY start having problems when a particular service is endorsed, and forum-goers are often made to feel "unwelcomed" to freely discuss competing products (often by other forum goers).
When I listen to the news, read the paper, or listen to the radio, the conscern is expressed in their need to properly identify when they are being underwritten or have relationships with entities that are the subject of their material (or face peer scrutiny). In a forum environment, while having "utilities" is GREAT, and highlighted services of sponsors, its important for ME, that huge investments aren't made that make or break the enterprise if they aren't financially supported by the community. The paid Membership transition has been tough enough, but if dnforum becomes a competitor of SnapNames and/or Namewinner, as well as a competitor to eNom or OpenSRS... it suddenly gets very murky as to the politics of the information passing through the system.
A partnership would be great, but IMHO more than that (in whatever direction it leads), might seem more than a bit much for the integrity of the forum as a source of news and unbiased opinions.
I'm currently impressed and appreciative of the companies that have taken the time to answer customer questions in this neutral environment. I'd not like to see that change.
~ Nexus