Update from the Domain Name Owners Associaion (DNOA)
In 2006 I helped found, along with 200 fellow members from the domaining community, a non-profit trade association called the Domain Name Owners Association (or simply known as the DNOA.)
If you are unfamiliar with the DNOA, our primary purpose is to present domain owners as legitimate businesspeople who are able to self-regulate as a group and create the necessary infrastructure for sound, reliable and trustworthy business transactions that differ in total regard from what has become a common stereotype of Domain Name Owners as cyber squatters, outlaws, and extortionists.
Our Code of Ethics is the cornerstone of our organization. All members who join agree to operate within these practices when doing business.
While it feels like our organization has been largely inactive over the last year, I have an update about DNOA that I wanted to share here, and give everyone a re-introduction and re-invitation to check us out again.
Our big news is that we are enjoying a renewed sense of drive and purpose as we welcome Sally Letzer, Barry Letzer, and Donna Mahony to the Board of Directors, joining myself, Brad Evers, Mark Beatty and M.W. Teaster.
Sally Letzer has also been elected as the Association's new Chairman, replacing me in that position. I will be staying on a Director. Sally is sure to provide the much needed leadership we need at the top. She has my full support in this, as well as the other Directors.
In our Board Meeting earlier this week, we have endorsed the Domain Registrant’s Code of Rights and Responsibilities and a plan of action to respond to Senate Bill s.2661 (a.k.a. the Snowe Bill.) We also approved the formation of an Advisory Board which we hope to fill with dynamic individuals from within our global industry.
Please have a look at us again. If you share our vision, we'd love to have you join the DNOA. Check it out at www.dnoa.org
Thanks to you, the Founders and Board ... and all the members who have put in so much time and positive energy to make the DNOA such a success for the entire industry (in a professional, concerted effort to add legitimacy to the profession)!
Nothing like a threat on the horizon to spark interest. The Snowe bill is a genuine threat, although it is small compared to what may follow. Phil Corwin wrote in Modern Domainer (issue 4) about debating in front of a group of trademark lawyers. His impression was that they were like hungry sharks. His debate opponent had no compunction about bringing in the most extreme and disgusting examples to make her points. That is one of the problems, domainers must promote the highest level of ethics while the other side does not.
As Rick says, these guys want our domains and they do not intend to pay for them. Clear logical and reasonable voices in the halls of power are the best response.
Thanks for the update. I'll be joining up because its important that the group has a large membership so when it speaks people know that it has some muscle behind it.
I hate it when groups say they represent a community and you later find out its a one or two person show behind the scenes (oh politics).
I agree. The membership fee for the DNOA is a good buy if you are a domainer who activly sells names. Being a member of the DNOA does add buyer confidence and seller credibility.
Does this apply if the name was "bought" or "won via auction?" Is that the same as "registering?"
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Update from the Domain Name Owners Associaion (DNOA) 
