poll Should Domain Conferences Change It Up?

Internet.Domains · May 2, 2019

Should domain conferences change it up?

Today, going through the blog roll there was a post on an upcoming domain conference. In the comment section there was a very interesting post that defines what domain conferences have become. Realistically, domain conferences consist of paid advertisers lecturing to paid attendees. In other words, attendees pay to get spammed. Is it time to change it up?

In addition, is it time to change up other domain conference attractions such as auctions and events?

Comment and be constructive. Possibly organizers can learn from this and grow from it, which in return helps all domain investors.

barman · May 2, 2019

If that's how you feel why don't you go to Rick's domain meetup in August?

Internet.Domains · May 2, 2019

barman said:
If that's how you feel why don't you go to Rick's domain meetup in August?

Good point. Domain conferences could have some valuable take aways when looking at that meetup.

equity78 · May 3, 2019

I guess my question would be what are you looking to get out of a domain conference? That answer also depends on how often you attend.

I would say a lot of people use it as a chance to meet others like them, because more than likely in their everyday life they don't deal with a lot of people who like, understand or participate in domaining. Every single family member and friend in my day to day thinks domaining is either stupid or boring. When once telling a friend I was going to get them a domain name for a birthday, their reply was, "I would rather you just slapped me in the face."

For others it is too learn, and that learning is going to come from those who have made it in the business to some degree. Of course no one really knows the complete picture on anyone in this business, what is their true bottomline?

A conference always has to offer all things to all people, you might want to meet people, I have known some who have said they don't go to NamesCon though they love Vegas and would love to meet some companies, but they are afraid they would get into an altercation with another domainer they despise at a cellular level.

Domaining has basically become a series of echo chambers anyway so smaller get togethers make sense, but at the end of the day someone has to pay for it, and you need sponsors, they want the biggest possible audience, conferences are big business.

https://www.quora.com/How-do-conferences-make-money

http://www.theantimba.com/how-to-make-money-hosting-a-conference/

https://www.inc.com/amanda-abella/3-proven-ways-to-make-money-from-a-business-conference.html

I guess I would like to know the definition of changing it up? Some people will never be happy with a conference agenda.

hawkeye · May 3, 2019

Interesting that those that never go, are concerned on how they should be run.

TCK · May 3, 2019

I don't mind that speakers pitch their services/products as long as they offer solid actionable advice. I find that most of the time the info that is presented is just a lot of fluff. The last con I attended I skipped most of the sessions. Used the time instead in meetings. That was much more constructive.

biggie · May 3, 2019

equity78 said:
Domaining has basically become a series of echo chambers

hello, hello, hell ooooo wo wo wo

but I say,
start a new conference
then do it, how you want it done

there's more room there, than trying to be a domainer now
you can market your own branded picks and shovels
and give some away for free, with ticket purchases

only those who want change, can make a change happen
so...gimme change for a dollar, and a free ticket

puff, puff.... ahhh

imo...

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

equity78 said:
I guess I would like to know the definition of changing it up?

When I mention "changing it up" I intend to say "try something new." Change it up = try something new.

As an observer over many years, the conferences seem to be fairly consistent without much change. There seems to be little changes to attract new or different attendees. In essence they appear very stagnant. Although, this I have gathered by blog reports and comments from attendees, not first hand.

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

hawkeye said:
Interesting that those that never go, are concerned on how they should be run.

Well, I guess you now know why I haven't attended.

Actually, you got me. Good one. My wife always criticizes the Super Bowl halftime show. I always tell her she didn't attend so it shouldn't matter. I am waiting for the day they "change it up" so she wants to attend.

If I do make it to a conference I will buy you the first round. I've always found people are nicer in person and I am sure if we meet you would feel similar.

Bob Hawkes · May 3, 2019

I actually have had a half-written set of notes on just this topic since returning from NamesCon. But here is how I see it. Yes, I think some change up is in order. I see the main weakness is that domain conferences must meaningfully include end users and not just be domainers talking to other domainers. I think there is room for alternative presentation modes (more on that later).

Bob

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

Bob Hawkes said:
I actually have had a half-written set of notes on just this topic since returning from NamesCon. But here is how I see it. Yes, I think some change up is in order. I see the main weakness is that domain conferences must meaningfully include end users and not just be domainers talking to other domainers. I think there is room for alternative presentation modes (more on that later).

Bob

Agreed. There are many trade shows that have multiple goals. Many trade shows, outside of domains, target both those within the industry and consumers (end users). The sectors of automotive, home & remodeling, and technology all have trade shows that target both those within the industry and end users. The time during the trade show is spent to attract and grow the industry, including those within and end users.

It seems, to me at least, domain conferences are not focused on the end users as much as other industries. Domains are a centerpiece of business and there is a genuine product that should be showcased, not only to those within the industry, but to those outside.

NickB · May 3, 2019

Get 15 - 30 domainers and 1 or 2 facilitators who are well known and respected in the industry.

Set the agenda.

Morning session, networking lunch, afternoon session then some networking drinks

Call it the Domain roundtable discussion series.

Do it in various cities...

Job done....

Edit.

You can get companies to sponsor this easily so domainers do not have pay....

hawkeye · May 3, 2019

MrAcidic said:
Get 15 - 30 domainers and 1 or 2 facilitators who are well known and respected in the industry.

Set the agenda.

Morning session, networking lunch, afternoon session then some networking drinks

Call it the Domain roundtable discussion series.

Do it in various cities...

Job done....

Edit.

You can get companies to sponsor this easily so domainers do not have pay....

Sounds like you know what needs to be done, so why not 'you' do it?

NickB · May 3, 2019

hawkeye said:
Sounds like you know what needs to be done, so why not 'you' do it?

I do it in another industry.....I'm good

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

hawkeye said:
Sounds like you know what needs to be done, so why not 'you' do it?

This thread was intended to stir up ideas. It was created more as a draft, as an open discussion. A round table for suggestions etc.

At no point was this thread meant to be a "sign up" sheet if a suggestion is made.

hawkeye · May 3, 2019

Internet.Domains said:
This thread was intended to stir up ideas. It was created more as a draft, as an open discussion. A round table for suggestions etc.

At no point was this thread meant to be a "sign up" sheet if a suggestion is made.

Then maybe it should have been noted originally what is or isn't allowed to be posted or replied too.

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

hawkeye said:
Then maybe it should have been noted originally what is or isn't allowed to be posted or replied too.

Point taken. Common sense in a forum is not always standard operating procedure. I will try to do better to guide you more appropriately.

NickB · May 3, 2019

Lol oh my gosh.......what it is a better word pedantic or anal to describe the above exchange?

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

MrAcidic said:
Lol oh my gosh.......what it is a better word pedantic or anal to describe the above exchange?

I prefer "pedantic", but that's my opinion, and like most discussions on NP opinions vary.

NickB · May 3, 2019

Internet.Domains said:
I prefer "pedantic", but that's my opinion, and like most discussions on NP opinions vary.

Tongue in cheek comment, hence the cheesy emojis......

Open discussions and a sharing of ides is all good - no such thing as a bad idea after all

equity78 · May 3, 2019

Some good points brought up, some are too broad and in my opinion not easily to bring about.

Here would be my first thing, I have had these conversations with friends regarding information and blogging in domaining.

Domaining is not that interesting, it's not, when someone makes a big sale people love it and people get really excited when they make their own sales. Setting landers and getting called a low life bottom feeder when doing outbound is not that fun.

But there is only so many times people can say at a conference,

Dot com is king
New gtld's have an uphill batte, ( in private they say, they are trash)
The registry reps saying the opposite how they are the future
List your names with a buy it now to increase your sales rate
Parking is dead, so develop, that's like saying for most oh you own the hospital real estate, well you should also go to medical school to benefit from all angles.
Only so many times you can auction off good names for great reserves or great domains for hope I get lucky once in a lifetime prices.

Who are these end users you speak of?

I kid, but seriously, an end user is potentially every person on the planet. Other people don't care enough about domain names to drop $1,000 or $2,000 to attend a conference. If I am the CMO at a Fortune 500 you don't think I know that if our name is Orange Tech it would be great to own Orange.com?

What if a bunch of "end users" start saying "you are all a bunch of squatters that create nothing and the government should have put an end to you years ago" or "Oh so that's what you paid for that name? I am not paying 1,000 times that so please stop emailing me."

Only in domaining do people believe no one else gets domain names, the conversations I have read for 20 years basically all go something like, These companies are stupid, they pay $10,000 a month for rent but won't buy my domain name for $50,000" or "Companies need to wake up I emailed Microsoft and they just don't get it, to which their friend say "Bro they own over 70,000 domain names, they understand domain names.

The live auction is looked at as who wants to be a millionaire? Or could be called who wants to waste a lot of people's time with outrageous reserves?

The auction could switch it up and say, this year no reserve, you list it it will sell no bids just under the reserve to feign interest, no nothing just names selling.

Now look before anyone owning a premium name yells, "You think I am auctioning off my prize LL.com for no reserve? FU!"

No and I wouldn't, that's why the auction should switch it up and make it all no reserve, people are paying 25% commission, let's put on a show.

FREE

The conferences are never going to be free, Rick is not putting on his meet up for free, (nor should he in my opinion) he is not looking to make money but he ain't saying, "y'all come to Asheville and I will show you some Southern hospitality" I remember I got a text when Rick added a couple activities sponsored by GoDaddy and the person was like why isn't everything free? Because GoDaddy not going to make that big an investment, where three people told me they are only going to get facetime with Rick and hopefully shake Mike Berkens' hand. GoDaddy knows everyone there already a client, why would we pay for the whole meet up?

For a sponsor they will pay some money at a conference but the juice would never be worth the squeeze to pay for the whole thing.

Like @biggie said people can always start their own, but it's a big job. One most don't want.

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

equity78 said:
Some good points brought up, some are too broad and in my opinion not easily to bring about.

Here would be my first thing, I have had these conversations with friends regarding information and blogging in domaining.

Domaining is not that interesting, it's not, when someone makes a big sale people love it and people get really excited when they make their own sales. Setting landers and getting called a low life bottom feeder when doing outbound is not that fun.

But there is only so many times people can say at a conference,

Dot com is king
New gtld's have an uphill batte, ( in private they say, they are trash)
The registry reps saying the opposite how they are the future
List your names with a buy it now to increase your sales rate
Parking is dead, so develop, that's like saying for most oh you own the hospital real estate, well you should also go to medical school to benefit from all angles.
Only so many times you can auction off good names for great reserves or great domains for hope I get lucky once in a lifetime prices.

Who are these end users you speak of?

I kid, but seriously, an end user is potentially every person on the planet. Other people don't care enough about domain names to drop $1,000 or $2,000 to attend a conference. If I am the CMO at a Fortune 500 you don't think I know that if our name is Orange Tech it would be great to own Orange.com?

What if a bunch of "end users" start saying "you are all a bunch of squatters that create nothing and the government should have put an end to you years ago" or "Oh so that's what you paid for that name? I am not paying 1,000 times that so please stop emailing me."

Only in domaining do people believe no one else gets domain names, the conversations I have read for 20 years basically all go something like, These companies are stupid, they pay $10,000 a month for rent but won't buy my domain name for $50,000" or "Companies need to wake up I emailed Microsoft and they just don't get it, to which their friend say "Bro they own over 70,000 domain names, they understand domain names.

The live auction is looked at as who wants to be a millionaire? Or could be called who wants to waste a lot of people's time with outrageous reserves?

The auction could switch it up and say, this year no reserve, you list it it will sell no bids just under the reserve to feign interest, no nothing just names selling.

Now look before anyone owning a premium name yells, "You think I am auctioning off my prize LL.com for no reserve? FU!"

No and I wouldn't, that's why the auction should switch it up and make it all no reserve, people are paying 25% commission, let's put on a show.

FREE

The conferences are never going to be free, Rick is not putting on his meet up for free, (nor should he in my opinion) he is not looking to make money but he ain't saying, "y'all come to Asheville and I will show you some Southern hospitality" I remember I got a text when Rick added a couple activities sponsored by GoDaddy and the person was like why isn't everything free? Because GoDaddy not going to make that big in an investment, where three people told me they are only going to get facetime with Rick and hopefully shake Mike Berkens' hand. GoDaddy knows everyone there already a client, why would we pay for the whole meet up?

For a sponsor they will pay some money at a conference but the juice would never be worth the squeeze to pay for the whole thing.

Like @biggie said people can always start their own, but it's a big job. One most don't want.

The target could be all entrepreneurs and anyone interested in an investment vehicle. Sure, domain investing has a negative stigma, but that is what needs to change. Conferences could focus on taking that negative stigma away. Conferences could, at least try, to legitimize domain investing.

As domain investors we already know there is a market, there is a product, and it's desirable. If domain investing could be legitimized, there would be a larger market, more sales and larger profits.

Although, I understand many domain investors wish to keep the industry small and under the radar. Quite possibly this is why nothing changes and domain assets are considered "cybersquatting" by the general public.

equity78 · May 3, 2019

Internet.Domains said:
The target could be all entrepreneurs and anyone interested in an investment vehicle. Sure, domain investing has a negative stigma, but that is what needs to change. Conferences could focus on taking that negative stigma away. Conferences could, at least try, to legitimize domain investing.

As domain investors we already know there is a market, there is a product, and it's desirable. If domain investing could be legitimized, there would be a larger market, more sales and larger profits.

Although, I understand many domain investors wish to keep the industry small and under the radar. Quite possibly this is why nothing changes and domain assets are considered "cybersquatting" by the general public.

Oh I agree and like I said partially I kid, with who are these end users you speak of? But I think where you made a valid point, there is also a lot of bad blood. Sure we love the startup that buys Close.com for big money and woohoo. But there are more startups that won't and despise domainers, I wrote an article a couple years ago where I was at a friend's company and his CEO referred to pigs? And i said who are the pigs? He said "Oh you" I said, "Me?" Well not you specifically but domain investors that's what he calls them.

Domaining is legitimate, and I don't know if there is a desire to keep it small but rather an over estimate in the number of people who think domaining is cool. Most people would never be up for the poor liquidity that exists in domaining, I remember when talking to a CPA years ago about them being an accepted asset class, he said he would advise every client he had to avoid them at all costs.

Look you don't even have universal acceptance for domains as property, and as John Berryhilll once wrote that might not be a good thing for them to be property.

https://www.thedomains.com/2013/12/...some-courts-do-not-consider-domains-property/

On the flipside being considered property might have hurt Grandma Heidi Powell

https://www.thedomains.com/2017/03/03/will-domains-property-come-back-bite-heidipowell-com/

Internet.Domains · May 3, 2019

Agreed and points taken as you have analyzed this subject from many angles. IMO, the poor liquidity is a problem that can be conquered by legitimizing domain investing. Although, legitimizing domain investing is a huge endeavor with minimal consensus and multiple hurdles. It's still my belief if legitimizing domains were to happen, it should be started at the conferences, collectively.

biggie · May 4, 2019

Internet.Domains said:
I understand many domain investors wish to keep the industry small and under the radar. Quite possibly this is why nothing changes

keeping endusers out, means that you have chance to buy at lower cost and resell to them for a profit
if endusers, ever become the majority of domainers, then costs and competition will rise

as for change I memba when there wasn't any conferences

at that time, there was no nb, no esibot, no flippo, no undev, no np, no da, no bp, no bb, no voodoo, no pc, and no gtld's, etc, etc

now there are several cons, and lots of tools and services to dig with, so change did come.
all of those changes, provide the nourishment that domainers now feed on.

the world of domaining is an evolutionary process .

but you have to know the past, to see the change, that came in the future.

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