.co .CO - The Discussion, Showcase and Sales Report Thread

[TOXX]

Well, it seems like Colombia will be releasing .CO to the internet market:
...
http://www.mincomunicaciones.gov.co...ge=./mods/contenido/noticia_user_view&id=1043
...
This could truly be a big competitor to .COM (especially being a "typo").
I would say with proper guidance .CO could REALLY have a bright future!
...
Let me know your thoughts please.

 

[Keith]

Just a quick update. I got word from Lori Anne that Sedo priced the domains. She stated that the domains are priced for endusers and the registry is taking the long haul approach.

HUGE mistake IMO!

 

[NLP]

While I agree with the part of the press release stating that .CO presents an opportunity for small businesses and startups, what kind of small business is going to shell out $100,000 for a name that's a bit of a risk? (in the case of the ones where the .com is developed).

I completely agree with Keith's and JB Lions' posts.

I don't want to randomly throw stuff out there, but has anyone looked into who the buyers were for all of those 5 and 6 figure names? There's just too much potential for foolishness. I'll stop there. I want to see these names being used, and not under privacy.

I haven't looked into it, which I fully admit.

These prices, for the most part, are ridiculous.

 

[DU]

HUGE mistake IMO!

They don't have to pay renewals

Also - what would be the benefit of the names getting bought by investors?

Bottom line is that they should do the only thing that makes sense. Announce speculative deals with different companies at high prices to garner interest.

I don't know if they've tried this before but maybe announcing a deal like "Twitter just bought something..." or "GoDaddy just bought something..." and maybe a big internet company like "Google bought something..." and then to make sure it gets noticed by the general masses a more familiar shopping company like "Overstock just bought something..."

 

[emjohn]

Keith, most businesses take the long haul approach. Why? Because they want to be long-term, not overnight...

Just a quick update. I got word from Lori Anne that Sedo priced the domains. She stated that the domains are priced for endusers and the registry is taking the long haul approach.

HUGE mistake IMO!

 

[JB Lions]

Keith, most businesses take the long haul approach. Why? Because they want to be long-term, not overnight...

Most businesses are also a little more hands-on, especially with domains when it's all about, how much is that domain worth, to just hand it over and let Sedo decide the prices for their domains for them. I know when I sell my domains, the last thing I want to do is let Sedo price them, I can do that myself. What happens if nothing sells for months, year? Just let them hang there? Not a good look. What else then, lower them? Not a good look either. Shows they lost a little confidence in them, they're not selling so they have to lower prices. Part of me likes it, the go hard or go home approach. With 700+ domains, there has to be at least a few sales. Will be interesting what sales, if any, come of this, especially with end user pricing, very high ones. I can understand tho, if they're hoping for some end user sales that will actually develop them. That would be good for them.

 

[DU]

Keith, most businesses take the long haul approach. Why? Because they want to be long-term, not overnight...

Are you sure? The modern business model is to make money now, screw your investors and walk away with the money.

I haven't seen anything from .CO that says they have a business model beyond being a registry. That business line is going to simply flatline.

The original investors have likely lined their pockets already - what's left? Cut costs - put it in autopilot and while revenue > cost everything is great. If revenue < cost - you bail - just like every other business.

The customers are holding "virtual real estate" that's all. Looks a lot like .mobi to me.

 

[emjohn]

Although things have sped about substantially over the last 20 years, eventually people will realize that the "quick buck" still doesn't work, whether you have a tool to accomplish it faster or not. Even if you have "success" at it, there is such a lack of feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. "Fast money" loses it's splendour after a while. There is always the wisdom of treating people well and putting out quality products/services. These have been age old principles that only appear to have changed because of the barrier/smoke-screen between people that is allowed by the internet. But these principles will NEVER change, because it's part of being a human being. Business over the internet is more difficult than in the physical world because of so many people with the same idea and the lack of trust between people (it's easier to tell if people are lying when you are face to face. This will be an on-going problem with doing business with people over the internet. It's always wiser to go out and meet the people you will doing business with over the internet. The trust will then be there.

Because there are crooked business models out there, doesn't mean you have to follow them. Remember that what goes around comes around. Escaping that would be very difficult indeed.
People think they can because of the "defense' of their computer screen. But I assure you, eventually it will catch up to a person.

Are you sure? The modern business model is to make money now, screw your investors and walk away with the money.

I haven't seen anything from .CO that says they have a business model beyond being a registry. That business line is going to simply flatline.

The original investors have likely lined their pockets already - what's left? Cut costs - put it in autopilot and while revenue > cost everything is great. If revenue < cost - you bail - just like every other business.

The customers are holding "virtual real estate" that's all. Looks a lot like .mobi to me.

 

[MicroGuy]

"Fast money" loses it's splendour after a while.

This must vary from person to person. So far, it's still very welcome and very splendid in my life. ((:blink)

 

[emjohn]

And perhaps you are a disconsolate man with no conscience (we've already established the trolling aspect - first sign of difficulties). Just further proof that it is better to meet people in person before deciding to work/do business with them.

This must vary from person to person. So far, it's still very welcome and very splendid in my life. ((:blink)

 

[DU]

Although things have sped about substantially over the last 20 years, eventually people will realize that the "quick buck" still doesn't work

You just haven't met the right people, imho.

"Fast money" loses it's splendour after a while.

I doubt it. The problem usually only exists when you spend it faster than you make it.

It's always wiser to go out and meet the people you will doing business with over the internet. The trust will then be there.

Confidence tricksters rely on this false assumption. Actually, every form of commission based job relies on this.

Because there are crooked business models out there, doesn't mean you have to follow them.

No, but you can, and people do.

But I assure you, eventually it will catch up to a person.

Rarely.


Note:
Not implying .CO is doing any of this. Just general comments


This makes me feel all downtrodden:

"Look, the people you are after are the people you depend on: we cook your meals, we haul your trash, we connect your calls, we drive your ambulances, we guard you while you sleep. Do not f*ck with us." - Tyler

 

[MicroGuy]

it is better to meet people in person before deciding to work/do business with them.

Agreed. I want to work with people who want to make money. You guys can have your fun doing whatever it is you do. To each his own. IMO.

 

[emjohn]

I don't mean to say that people get caught from the "outside". If you've ever had a twinge of conscience, you'll now how insufferable it can be. People don't get caught, they just end up in confessionals, religious or therapeutic or otherwise.

To say that fast money is OK, well, it depends how you get it too. If the idea is to start a business, get people to trust you after the first year and ditch it on the second, I would suggest rethinking that. It may come back to haunt you.

You just haven't met the right people, imho.


I doubt it. The problem usually only exists when you spend it faster than you make it.


Confidence tricksters rely on this false assumption. Actually, every form of commission based job relies on this.


No, but you can, and people do.


Rarely.


Note:
Not implying .CO is doing any of this. Just general comments


This makes me feel all downtrodden:

"Look, the people you are after are the people you depend on: we cook your meals, we haul your trash, we connect your calls, we drive your ambulances, we guard you while you sleep. Do not fuck with us." - Tyler

 

[Keith]

If the idea is to start a business, get people to trust you after the first year and ditch it on the second, I would suggest rethinking that. It may come back to haunt you.

Ditching the business intentionally is not the issue I see. The .co registry will have no say when values take a sharp dive due to lack of outside interest. They'll be left holding thousands of domains worth little to nothing just like Mtld.

History repeats itself as we all know. The best angle for the registry at this point is to charge a one-time premium registration fee followed by a standard renewal fee. The numbers go up across the board and we're all happy. The public gets great domains at a fair price while lining the registries pockets! At that point the best domains are off the shelves and will generate renewal income for years and years.

Anyhow what do I know...

 

[emjohn]

Ditching the business intentionally is not the issue I see. The .co registry will have no say when values take a sharp dive due to lack of outside interest. They'll be left holding thousands of domains worth little to nothing just like Mtld.

History repeats itself as we all know. The best angle for the registry at this point is to charge a one-time premium registration fee followed by a standard renewal fee. The numbers go up across the board and we're all happy. The public gets great domains at a fair price while lining the registries pockets! At the point the best domains are off the shelves and will generate renewal income for years and years.

Anyhow what do I know...

A good bit of self-evaluation.:P

However Keith, you must remember .co registry has a TONNE of money behind it and that makes a difference. It changes the game. They believe in their cause enough to have commericals in the Super Bowl. That's pretty dedicated and tells me someone who is thinking long-term. History CAN repeat itself but I know of a few chain restaurants that went under a few years ago but that doesn't mean every new restaurant in the future will go down. It comes down to HOW the business is run.

 

[DU]

If the idea is to start a business, get people to trust you after the first year and ditch it on the second, I would suggest rethinking that. It may come back to haunt you.

I don't do this which is why I have a job, rent a house, have a regular car, worry about the future.

I know of a surefire 100% method to ONLY making money via domains but I don't do that either for the same reasons.

Most entrepreneurs/CEOs don't share those ethics. Juan Calle knows that 10,000s of people are losing money on .co. It's part of his BUSINESS MODEL. Don't care what they say. They sent out an email saying "Don't violate TMs" - they didn't actually do anything.. why not? Lori Ann Ward said they went further than other registries to curtail the problem. This is true. They sent an email. They made a blog post.

CO Internet can turn a blind eye to those losing money and focus on those getting a great name at a great price and starting a business. But their revenue depends on the losers...

But to my point originally. Did you know that you can bankruptcy your business and then buy your assets on the cheap with a tax-break as a new business venture... I know people that have done this! Filed for bankruptcy - NOT PAID CREDITORS - and then started a NEW COMPANY and bought the old assets. They are now a new company, new name, same staff, same assets, just with less debt.

Nice eh.

I actually feel bad about spending $20 and charging $1000 but that's just me. I just offered a domain to someone for free after they didn't want to spend the money because I felt bad. What's $20 to make their day?

Whatever. I get your point and we agree on the fast money and ethics. I think you have more respect for COINTERNET than I do.

They're a business scraping the barrel of the internet, imho, but hey, you're working with the Colombian government- pretty sure Mother Theresa Inc., wouldn't get too far.

 

[emjohn]

"But to my point originally. Did you know that you can bankruptcy your business and then buy your assets on the cheap with a tax-break as a new business venture... I know people that have done this! Filed for bankruptcy - NOT PAID CREDITORS - and then started a NEW COMPANY and bought the old assets. They are now a new company, new name, same staff, same assets, just with less debt."

Yes, there are lot's of people who do it, I'm sure. Clever, kinda. Illegal? Tota.

Let me ask you this. When you go to the grocery store to buy coffee, you maybe pay $4.00 or something like that. The store may have bought it for 50 cents. That's how business and capitalism works. If you are not OK with making a large profit like with domains, maybe it is better to buy direct from a wholesaler or go into a more "government" oriented profession or into a business where you find the profit margins tolerable.

You seem like a pretty smart person. It's good you have ethics. It will take you far. You'll always be able to sleep at night and nothing, I mean NOTHING is better than a good night's rest. Let the unethical people grow weary from insomnia. You will always be fresh. Mark my words.

I don't do this which is why I have a job, rent a house, have a regular car, worry about the future.

I know of a surefire 100% method to ONLY making money via domains but I don't do that either for the same reasons.

Most entrepreneurs/CEOs don't share those ethics. Juan Calle knows that 10,000s of people are losing money on .co. It's part of his BUSINESS MODEL. Don't care what they say. They sent out an email saying "Don't violate TMs" - they didn't actually do anything.. why not? Lori Ann Ward said they went further than other registries to curtail the problem. This is true. They sent an email. They made a blog post.

CO Internet can turn a blind eye to those losing money and focus on those getting a great name at a great price and starting a business. But their revenue depends on the losers...

But to my point originally. Did you know that you can bankruptcy your business and then buy your assets on the cheap with a tax-break as a new business venture... I know people that have done this! Filed for bankruptcy - NOT PAID CREDITORS - and then started a NEW COMPANY and bought the old assets. They are now a new company, new name, same staff, same assets, just with less debt.

Nice eh.

I actually feel bad about spending $20 and charging $1000 but that's just me. I just offered a domain to someone for free after they didn't want to spend the money because I felt bad. What's $20 to make their day?

Whatever. I get your point and we agree on the fast money and ethics. I think you have more respect for COINTERNET than I do.

They're a business scraping the barrel of the internet, imho, but hey, you're working with the Colombian government- pretty sure Mother Theresa Inc., wouldn't get too far.

 

[gladdy]

Sedo reports:
hawk.com $2,600
equity.co $1,800
gutschein.co 1,500 EUR
tone.co $1,050
fountain.co $900

 

[Oppinus]

Sedo reports:
hawk.com $2,600
equity.co $1,800
gutschein.co 1,500 EUR
tone.co $1,050
fountain.co $900

hawk.com or hawk.co?

 

[emjohn]

Gotta be Hawk.co. .com would go for 15 times that. A very nice list Gutschein.co (voucher in German) is VERY nice.

hawk.com or hawk.co?

 

[DU]

Yes, there are lot's of people who do it, I'm sure. Clever, kinda. Illegal? Tota.

I don't think it's illegal. It's a business plan

That's how business and capitalism works.

I'm not a free market capitalist.

You seem like a pretty smart person.

Thanks

You'll always be able to sleep at night

Nope.

I think Keith's post was perfectly on the mark. The registry operating no registration / reserve model will see flatlining revenue. The question is whether it will decline enough to stop the registry employees drawing a salary (or getting investment to do the same). It could run sustained as a 1-2 person business... you can squeeze Neustar on the outsourcing.