discuss Are domain names becoming less valuable in the near future?

[Fayaz Ahmed]

Just thinking out loud:

Interests in Social Media and advancements in Search Engine algorithms caused the decline in low & no content website traffic severely.

gTLDs and possibility of an alternate decentralized domain naming system such as unstoppable domains (more likely a more open and non-profit future version of something similar) diluted the domain name industry even further.

Popularity of smart phones and phone apps made many services available to mass people that were previously mainly served by websites. So the app market, on one hand facilitated the creation of new brands (hence more brandable tech domain names), but on the other hand, it contributed to the decline in web traffic. Besides, as we are reaching to an equilibrium point to the number of these new brands, eventually the smart phone app market are more likely to contribute to the further decline of interest in websites and hence domain names.

And last but not the least, the recent advancements in Ai implementations like ChatGPT is threatning website traffic even with content.

So, are domain names as a whole becoming less valuable in the near future because of all these?

Surely ultra valuable domain names will most likely still remain valuable in the foreseable future. But what about the others?

To summarise, in the near future (say 5-10 years):

• What sort of names will prevail?
• What sort of names are most likely to fade away?
• What's your thought on this overall concern?

Please also provide your reasoning behind those thoughts.

Note: I'm not asking this to spread negativity. Instead, please look at it as a discussion to better prepare for a probable foreseeable future.

 

[Recons.Com]

Domains are doomed.

Now please stop bidding up names at auctions. Please?

 

[TribeMagnet]

I've been thinking a lot about what will shift as AI rolls out. In the next few years, a lot will change. When (not if) AI is smarter than people, some say by 2040, what role will websites play at all? It could be a no-click environment for information.

 

[Fayaz Ahmed]

Domains are doomed.

Now please stop bidding up names at auctions. Please?

OK, done!

 

[Ritik bhardwaj]

I've been thinking a lot about what will shift as AI rolls out. In the next few years, a lot will change. When (not if) AI is smarter than people, some say by 2040, what role will websites play at all? It could be a no-click environment for information.

Great thought.

 

[bmugford]

Just thinking out loud:

Interests in Social Media and advancements in Search Engine algorithms caused the decline in low & no content website traffic severely.

gTLDs and possibility of an alternate decentralized domain naming system such as unstoppable domains (more likely a more open and non-profit future version of something similar) diluted the domain name industry even further.

Popularity of smart phones and phone apps made many services available to mass people that were previously mainly served by websites. So the app market, on one hand facilitated the creation of new brands (hence more brandable tech domain names), but on the other hand, it contributed to the decline in web traffic. Besides, as we are reaching to an equilibrium point to the number of these new brands, eventually the smart phone app market are more likely to contribute to the further decline of interest in websites and hence domain names.

And last but not the least, the recent advancements in Ai implementations like ChatGPT is threatning website traffic even with content.

So, are domain names as a whole becoming less valuable in the near future because of all these?

Surely ultra valuable domain names will most likely still remain valuable in the foreseable future. But what about the others?

To summarise, in the near future (say 5-10 years):

• What sort of names will prevail?
• What sort of names are most likely to fade away?
• What's your thought on this overall concern?

Please also provide your reasoning behind those thoughts.

Note: I'm not asking this to spread negativity. Instead, please look at it as a discussion to better prepare for a probable foreseeable future.

A lot of these points have been debated for years. Domains are still around.
They were not replaced by social media, apps, etc.

The one legitimate threat would be AI, but that is a threat to society in general. Domains would be way down the totem pole.

AI could replace jobs, in fact entire fields and professions. If not reigned in, it should possibly reshape society in a very negative way.

Brad

 

[Cnkey]

.corn
i think it good!

 

[QUAD DOMAINS]

Honestly, domains likely won’t decrease in value. However, the manner in which their value is assessed will require a revamped technique and more progressive outlook.

Every point mentioned into your post constitutes “a variable to be factored”. Not so much a defining element of what’ll shape centralized domain values in the near future.

The emergence of new technological and digital identity mediums simply means the centralized domain industry will be forced to evolve quickly due to how fast technology tends to evolve.

From our view, the primary issue that’ll hurt centralized domain values will be the investor culture that tends to favor .com, short and aged. As we know, all else tends to be viewed as “inferior”.

In many respects, the centralized domain system is a reflection of a specific technological era. (Primarily the 1980s.) This was a time where the .com bubble laid the foundation for a pursuit.

Many veteran domain players have amassed decent fortunes leveraging the metrics, ppc and landers. The time has come where that particular approach has run its course.

All in all, domains act as street signs for the web and/or any other digital destination. This includes for apps and everything else. However, their utility will ultimately determine their value.

As of now, centralized domains are placeholders and not much else. Big centralized players realize this; and some have finally began to make calculated attempts to enhance value.

With everything stated, the TLDs, SLDs and 3LDs that’ll thrive will be those backed by utility; and those backed by money will survive until it’s not feasible to maintain their “illusion of worth”.

In no way should your post be viewed as negative. It’s quite valid to say the least. It shows that you’re open-minded; and realize that all things are subject to evolve at one point or another.

Rest assured, your post reflects that you’re on track to recognizing the bigger picture for how domain investing will work in the next chapter of internet and technological advancements.

Kudos!

 

[Recons.Com]

Honestly, domains likely won’t decrease in value. However, the manner in which their value is assessed will require a revamped technique and more progressive outlook.

Every point mentioned into your post constitutes “a variable to be factored”. Not so much a defining element of what’ll shape centralized domain values in the near future.

The emergence of new technological and digital identity mediums simply means the centralized domain industry will be forced to evolve quickly due to how fast technology tends to evolve.

From our view, the primary issue that’ll hurt centralized domain values will be the investor culture that tends to favor .com, short and aged. As we know, all else tends to be viewed as “inferior”.

In many respects, the centralized domain system is a reflection of a specific technological era. (Primarily the 1980s.) This was a time where the .com bubble laid the foundation for a pursuit.

Many veteran domain players have amassed decent fortunes leveraging the metrics, ppc and landers. The time has come where that particular approach has run its course.

All in all, domains act as street signs for the web and/or any other digital destination. This includes for apps and everything else. However, their utility will ultimately determine their value.

As of now, centralized domains are placeholders and not much else. Big centralized players realize this; and some have finally began to make calculated attempts to enhance value.

With everything stated, the TLDs, SLDs and 3LDs that’ll thrive will be those backed by utility; and those backed by money will survive until it’s not feasible to maintain their “illusion of worth”.

In no way should your post be viewed as negative. It’s quite valid to say the least. It shows that you’re open-minded; and realize that all things are subject to evolve at one point or another.

Rest assured, your post reflects that you’re on track to recognizing the bigger picture for how domain investing will work in the next chapter of internet and technological advancements.

Kudos!

How did you manage to split the whole test into equal text bites of a line and a half? ?

OpenAI, is that you?

 

[QUAD DOMAINS]

No. It’s a completely human response.

Although Ai-generated content is helpful in some instances, it doesn’t replace the need for easily digestible points in human dialogue.

We realize there’s a lot to read floating around on the web; so segmented writing is the approach we take to show readers like yourself that your time and attention are appreciated.

The goal is simply to provide healthy responses/content that can be leveraged both personally and professionally by those who consume it.

You’re awesome by the way!

Mel (QUAD DOMAINS)

How did you manage to split the whole test into equal text bites of a line and a half? ?

OpenAI, is that you?

 

[MKA]

Interests in Social Media and advancements in Search Engine algorithms caused the decline in low & no content website traffic severely.

Small businesses are encouraged to advertise on social media platforms rather than make their own sites, so a Google Search may as well link to your store's Facebook or Twitter page rather than your own site. But these platforms are fairly limited when it comes to utility and presentation.

On the other hand search engine algorithms becoming more effective is a good thing for any business running a site. Say you're running a small restaurant in a rural area in Texas. If people are nearby searching for restaurants then, your site will be highly ranked. But if they live in Canada they will get different results. This means that you will get more useful traffic to your site.

gTLDs and possibility of an alternate decentralized domain naming system such as unstoppable domains (more likely a more open and non-profit future version of something similar) diluted the domain name industry even further.

Anyone who's worried about blockchain domains don't know anything about them. They require a lot more technical know-how to set up and run (e.g. they don't use the http-protocol so normal browsers don't even support them), a lot of functionality provided by hosting services can't be integrated with blockchain domains (you can't implement things like SSL), they're incredibly insecure, and they're not regulated so there is no process that can help you retrieve your domain if stolen.

All of this makes blockchain domains extremely limited and undesirable to anyone who wants a site.

Popularity of smart phones and phone apps made many services available to mass people that were previously mainly served by websites. So the app market, on one hand facilitated the creation of new brands (hence more brandable tech domain names), but on the other hand, it contributed to the decline in web traffic. Besides, as we are reaching to an equilibrium point to the number of these new brands, eventually the smart phone app market are more likely to contribute to the further decline of interest in websites and hence domain names.

Apps is probably the biggest problem because it conditions people to stay on the same sites as opposed to exploring the web. But it's more of something that limits the use of search engines rather than killing it.

And last but not the least, the recent advancements in Ai implementations like ChatGPT is threatning website traffic even with content.

It depends on what you want to do on the web. Services like ChatGPT primarily threatens low-quality tabloid sites by answering questions in a plain and concise manner instead of taking you through an drawn out article designed to boost SERP and ad revenue. But if you want to buy something, or get accurate and impartial answers then ChatGPT can't help you.

To summarise, in the near future (say 5-10 years):

• What sort of names will prevail?
• What sort of names are most likely to fade away?
• What's your thought on this overall concern?

Please also provide your reasoning behind those thoughts.

Brandable .com:s will continue to grow in value, and anything else will continue to fade like it has over the last few years. This is because all the industry behemoths run these kind of domains, so that's what people will associate with quality and reputable services and products.

Note: I'm not asking this to spread negativity. Instead, please look at it as a discussion to better prepare for a probable foreseeable future.

Asking for feedback or attempting to provide constructive criticism isn't "negative" anywhere outside the Crypto Community. But that's because they're leaching off each other's good faith and lack of critical thought.

 

[NickB]

A lot of these points have been debated for years. Domains are still around.
They were not replaced by social media, apps, etc.

The one legitimate threat would be AI, but that is a threat to society in general. Domains would be way down the totem pole.

AI could replace jobs, in fact entire fields and professions. If not reigned in, it should possibly reshape society in a very negative way.

Brad

Short term negativity for long term evolutionary benefits?

Augmentation, robotics, Ai merging with humanity is the future, otherwise we are pretty much fuc%ed as a species in the long term.

I mean there are companies out there already looking at how to manipulate/understand/change your conscience - crack that code and what is really left for humans - may as well upload it onto a automated star ship, merge with the Ai navigator and travel the galaxy, better yet, augment with the ship......

Obviously the above is a little way away yet.....so you may as well cryogenically freeze a body part so they can bring you back when it's a possibilty.....

 

[1Darko]

As long as the internet will exist there will be demand for domains. A change to another system would be very difficult, because corporations all over the globe invested heavily into the internet technology.

Interestingly I asked CHatGPT a few weeks ago how this will switch and I got the answer that we could in the future expect a development searching for information by voice command.

The existing system should be save for some decades. That means domain value will go only up.
The sky is the limit .

 

[DomainNature]

So, are domain names as a whole becoming less valuable in the near future because of all these?

The harsh answer is = YES
Until we do something today to destroy the 666 AI beast.
I m going to make my websites only for members access and block any bots that crawl for data, I will even block Google and Bing, because they will feed it to AI 666 beast!

 

[QUAD DOMAINS]

Sheesh!

The amount of upvotes on your post, versus the downvotes on our post, indicates some people have lost faith in the idea there are actually still humans who can convey their viewpoint effectively and efficiently without assist.

The Namepros community can be a tough crowd sometimes.

Anyhow, everyone have a progressive weekend. Take a breather, spend time with loved ones and remember to be thankful for the opportunities ahead.

🗣 We sure know the Chatbots will.

Mel (QUAD DOMAINS)

How did you manage to split the whole test into equal text bites of a line and a half? ?

OpenAI, is that you?

 

[enterscope]

A domain is just an address or handle. They will never go away as long as people communicate through the waves.

 

[Fayaz Ahmed]

The harsh answer is = YES
Until we do something today to destroy the 666 AI beast.
I m going to make my websites only for members access and block any bots that crawl for data, I will even block Google and Bing, because they will feed it to AI 666 beast!

I too think blocking content from Ai will be necessary for content sites to survive.

However, you'd need search engines, otherwise people will not know about the content.
So part of the content will have to be searchable, and the key parts will need to be hidden behind a log-in mechanism (even if the sign-up is free).

This method will not survive forever, Ai will catch up, but at least it'll give us some breathing ground.

 

[Fayaz Ahmed]

Looks like people took it negatively after all, LOL.

Cheers people, take the discussion lightly.
Anyways, I'm thankful for all the comments and the votes (even downvotes).

All engagements are valuable engagements.
Happy domaining everyone

 

[Ostrados]

Domains are just friendly translations to IP addresses that humans can easily remember and memorize.

The only situation where domains will no longer be used is when IP address is no longer in use. Which will not happen as long as there is internet.

The emergence of AI may reduce the demand on domains in some areas, particularly for content websites and blogs that relies on search engines, but strong domains will continue to be a necessity for brands and businesses to establish and maintain their online presence.

 

[NameBuyer.com]

Just thinking out loud:

Interests in Social Media and advancements in Search Engine algorithms caused the decline in low & no content website traffic severely.

gTLDs and possibility of an alternate decentralized domain naming system such as unstoppable domains (more likely a more open and non-profit future version of something similar) diluted the domain name industry even further.

Popularity of smart phones and phone apps made many services available to mass people that were previously mainly served by websites. So the app market, on one hand facilitated the creation of new brands (hence more brandable tech domain names), but on the other hand, it contributed to the decline in web traffic. Besides, as we are reaching to an equilibrium point to the number of these new brands, eventually the smart phone app market are more likely to contribute to the further decline of interest in websites and hence domain names.

And last but not the least, the recent advancements in Ai implementations like ChatGPT is threatning website traffic even with content.

So, are domain names as a whole becoming less valuable in the near future because of all these?

Surely ultra valuable domain names will most likely still remain valuable in the foreseable future. But what about the others?

To summarise, in the near future (say 5-10 years):

• What sort of names will prevail?
• What sort of names are most likely to fade away?
• What's your thought on this overall concern?

Please also provide your reasoning behind those thoughts.

Note: I'm not asking this to spread negativity. Instead, please look at it as a discussion to better prepare for a probable foreseeable future.

No, none of these matter. A company that has a product or service still needs to be branded and found by customers. Even if you use an app for some services, most of them have a main page to solidify their brand and give additional info that is universal across all devices.

Some may use decentralized domains, but as of now it's not viable for commercial use.

There's a market for gTLDs, in my opinion, this is the same as other domains. Just invest in what you think will be in demand.


The recession is the main issue and it's becoming more brutal.

I sold indicor(dot)com for $29,500 in October and WorkLeap(dot)com for $14,500 in November (sold too cheap ).

I’ve had zero in real sales since then from Dec-Feb. First time in 10 years and I have close to 7,000 domains.

I’m dropping the lower 20-30% of domains and upping prices on the better ones.

 

[1Darko]

No, none of these matter. A company that has a product or service still needs to be branded and found by customers. Even if you use an app for some services, most of them have a main page to solidify their brand and give additional info that is universal across all devices.

Some may use decentralized domains, but as of now it's not viable for commercial use.

There's a market for gTLDs, in my opinion, this is the same as other domains. Just invest in what you think will be in demand.


The recession is the main issue and it's becoming more brutal.

I sold indicor(dot)com for $29,500 in October and WorkLeap(dot)com for $14,500 in November (sold too cheap ).

I’ve had zero in real sales since then from Dec-Feb. First time in 10 years and I have close to 7,000 domains.

I’m dropping the lower 20-30% of domains and upping prices on the better ones.

Thanks for sharing - and yes the market is very "dry". Until there is war in Europe there will be downsizing everywhere - imho!

 

[Fayaz Ahmed]

Most people are giving answers that sound like I asked: "Are domain names becoming obsolete?".
I guess that's why I got all the negative votes / downvotes. Fair enough.

But please note: I've never claimed or asked if domain names are becoming obsolete.

So, some of of these answers are completely wrong, not because the content of those answers are wrong, but because that's not the question I've asked.

So once again, to summarize, I've asked:

Are domain names becoming less valuable in the near future?​

Also,

in the near future (say 5-10 years):

• What sort of names will prevail?
• What sort of names are most likely to fade away?

Please answer keeping in mind the subtle difference.
Or better yet, please read my oroginal post without prejudice before anwsering.

Hopefully then, this thread will become really constructive and people coming in will learn something from the posts.

Thanks again everyone for your kind contributions

 

[branding]

So, are domain names as a whole becoming less valuable in the near future because of all these?

No. The opposite. They will go up in the next decade.

What sort of names will prevail?

Generics and brandables + Cctlds.

What sort of names are most likely to fade away?

Web3. Web 3 is a great concept but has been around for ages, never matured but has been marketed in the right way and right time. Under the hood, hardly any change.

What's your thought on this overall concern?

I have little concerns. For businesses it's all about conversion. Apps, social media and what not, are just a means to an end to get people to their domain/website (read checkout).

Voice kinda sucks from an UX pov, AI could be a thread though... Not saying I'm even remotely impressed by the likes of Open Ai. Kinda bland but it'll evolve. Will be interesting to see whether we will allow it to become illogical, not political correct, indecent and basically as creative as our own human minds.

Summarizing, good quality generic and brandable domains will prevail.

 

[Fayaz Ahmed]

No. The opposite. They will go up in the next decade.

Generics and brandables + Cctlds.

Web3. Web 3 is a great concept but has been around for ages, never matured but has been marketed in the right way and right time. Under the hood, hardly any change.


I have little concerns. For businesses it's all about conversion. Apps, social media and what not, are just a means to an end to get people to their domain/website (read checkout).

Voice kinda sucks from an UX pov, AI could be a thread though... Not saying I'm even remotely impressed by the likes of Open Ai. Kinda bland but it'll evolve. Will be interesting to see whether we will allow it to become illogical, not political correct, indecent and basically as creative as our own human minds.

Summarizing, good quality generic and brandable domains will prevail.

Thanks!
Whether I agree or disagree, your answer genuinely addresses my original post.
Thanks again for this.

 

[branding]

Thanks!
Whether I agree or disagree, your answer genuinely addresses my original post.
Thanks again for this.

Thank you. I could be right, I could be wrong. Time will tell when we revisit this thread 5 years from now .