.tv Demand Media Update & Clarifications

[qdaly]

Hi Everyone,

I just logged on and saw that there are some questions so I wanted to post some clarifications to help clear up any misunderstandings. I also wanted to share with you the press release that went out this AM about me.tv. And finally, give you a heads up that we are working on a re-cap of the first day of premium sales which I will share with this group as soon as it's final.

Okay, first, some clarification:
- Renewal Pricing: The price that is paid for a premium name is the same as the renewal price. So if you bought a name for $500, the renewal is $500. We are letting everyone know that this is subject to change, because we are not in control of this TLD. The price could be higher and the price could be lower. There is also the option to lock in the name at the set price for multiple years, but does require paying for it up front.
- Cost vs. Price: I also wanted to clarify this nuance because in my communications I have been telling folks that Verisign sets the "pricing". Well, to be clear, Verisign sets the cost and as a retailer, Demand Media/eNom can set the pricing. We believe that in order to drive sales, we need to keep as many premium names as possible at cost. So, in that regard, we are not setting the price, we are defaulting to the cost.

The ME.TV press release:
I don't think there is any new information, but just wanted to let the form know that it is out:
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070502/20070502005879.html?.v=1

I will plan to post updates on the premium sales tonight or first thing tomorrow. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best, Quinn

 

[DomainBuyerBroker]

I think the refunds set a bad precedent allowing for buyer's remorse and even .tv domain tasting.

We're all grown ups here so a little less crying about renewal fees please and can we put the idea of the "BIG SCAM" to bed now?

 

[meeks]

I agree with you Exclusively.tv

Bad precedent to set, the fine print is there for all to read if you don't read well sorry but is not enom, Demand Media or anyone elses fault but your own in my opinion.

I hope a thankyou is sent to QDaly as I am sure she would have had something to do with the refund after reading what was being said here.

 

[MillersCrossing]

I would have bet the house that CYBERTONIC would not have got a refund...so really glad I didn't!!

There is a huge difference between checking out renewal fees and seeking clarification on subject to change wording......

The fact is, Cybertonic was told by members of this forum what the deal was before he bought, and really is getting off the hook here when he shouldn't.

That being said, I am happy for him cause he got a great outcome for himself and why not allow him that peace of mind if he can get it......

Enom/DM is now bending over backwards to be accomodating - even when they would be fully justified not to in this case........I personally owe it to DM/Enom to recognise their new outlook on customer sevice since I was one of those who took a big swing at them in defence of OWNTHISDOMAINNOW!!

The irony of it all is that I was on DM's side on this case 100% already - they were under absolutely no obligation to return those premium payments......but perhaps by returning the money - DM is doing something beyond the individual customer - and that is - sending a message to all of us that they are taking their clients seriously ....and that is worth a whole lot more than what was refunded to CYBERTONIC

 

[MrRhee]

a lot of you are giving DM "pats on the back" for giving him a refund...

don't you think it was APPROPRIATE since language on the registration page was changed (during the initial 3 days following launch) and the renewal price fiasco (getting mixed answers from staff and still unclear future pricing)?

perhaps DM doesn't want bad press... or lawyers... or blogosphere... or did I already mention "bad press" for the TLD? perhaps it was easier for them to give him a refund to to let him run loose... not all "bad publicity" is "good publicity"... especially for a re-launched TLD...

or perhaps he could've received a refund through his bank with or without DEMAND's approval? anyone think about that...

my bank told me that was my option if I chose to pursue it. I am getting less response from DM and spent considerably more than cybertonic (from what he's told me via pm)

tomorrow will be my final call to ENOM before I make my final decision on this TLD.

I like what they have planned for the future in terms of ME.TV, marketing, etc... I just don't know whether or not I fit into their vision of the future.

worst part is, I have some damn fine generics too...

...

 

[Vimal]

I would have bet the house that CYBERTONIC would not have got a refund...so really glad I didn't!!

There is a huge difference between checking out renewal fees and seeking clarification on subject to change wording......

The fact is, Cybertonic was told by members of this forum what the deal was before he bought, and really is getting off the hook here when he shouldn't.

That being said, I am happy for him cause he got a great outcome for himself and why not allow him that peace of mind if he can get it......

Enom/DM is now bending over backwards to be accomodating - even when they would be fully justified not to in this case........I personally owe it to DM/Enom to recognise their new outlook on customer sevice since I was one of those who took a big swing at them in defence of OWNTHISDOMAINNOW!!

The irony of it all is that I was on DM's side on this case 100% already - they were under absolutely no obligation to return those premium payments......but perhaps by returning the money - DM is doing something beyond the individual customer - and that is - sending a message to all of us that they are taking their clients seriously ....and that is worth a whole lot more than what was refunded to CYBERTONIC

I had this same feeling..i totally agree...

 

[Broker]

I do not know if it's due to the mess I did but I have just been REFUNDED for all the Premiums purchased after May 1th.

ENOM Response:

=====================================

Typically, there are no refunds for domain registrations. On the page where you clicked the "buy now" button we do display a note that lets you know the renewal is the same as the buy now price as well as prices are subject to change.

We do want to work with you to resolve this issue and therefore have refunded your orders less a $240 processing fee.

=====================================

I confirm they did it.
So thanks Enom/Demand Media for having be honnest/fair.

Now if you read here think about all the others future premium buyers that can do the same mistakes:
Put in bold and red the fact the renewal is the same as the acquisition price!
Because this high renewal pricing is NOT USUAL for the other extensions so nobody can imagine it.

...

Good for you Cybertonic, I personally feel the powers that be are doing nothing positive for this extension with their rights to charge such high fees and doing just that. Even if I were rich, I wouldnt buy any of those premiums at those rediculous prices with renewals to match. As someone has mentioned, I'd use a non premium and work on buidling that up. And with the extra funds saved thats alot of advertising dollars. Youtube certainly wasnt a premium at reg date. Who needs em

 

[Vimal]

Good for you Cybertonic, I personally feel the powers that be are doing nothing positive for this extension with their rights to charge such high fees and doing just that. Even if I were rich, I wouldnt buy any of those premiums at those rediculous prices with renewals to match. As someone has mentioned, I'd use a non premium and work on buidling that up. And with the extra funds saved thats alot of advertising dollars. Youtube certainly wasnt a premium at reg date. Who needs em

Ok..now we have all heard about you not being interested in registering premium names again & again...and about the 'RICH' in this thread and other threads...can you actually contribute anything other than this for a healthy discussion....

Demand Media Great Job !!!! though it was totally not required for you to do it..