Does this make sense for Links.com?

[richrf]

Hi guys,

Based upon some posts I've been looking at, and a private inquiry, I was thinking that maybe I could rent out space on Links.com, either subdomains or homepages/subpages, to domain owners who wish to place their inventory on view. It would be comparable to a shopping mall where individual owners rent out space to sell their goods.

Does this idea have any value to domain owners?

Thanks.

Rich

 

[Keynes]

Does this idea have any value to domain owners?

Only if it produces better traffic per dollar than alternatives. In general, subdomain leasing hasn't worked out well in this indutry. If I were you, I would either consider full development with VC funding or sell the domain.

 

[TheBulldog]

No, doesn't make sense when there are a million free ones out there.

 

[bidawinner]

chain link fencing

or DATING .. Brand yourself as "links' some sort of love connection

 

[richrf]

Only if it produces better traffic per dollar than alternatives. In general, subdomain leasing hasn't worked out well in this indutry. If I were you, I would either consider full development with VC funding or sell the domain.

Yes, I investigated leasing with LeaseThis, and it went no where. It is very difficult to tie up a domain by leasing it for a long period of time.

I have had past experience with VCs. I don't think they add much value to a startup. Possibly at a 2nd or 3rd stage funding. But before I sought any funding, I would have to have a good idea - since there is lots of dilution when accepting funding.

Thanks for your input.

RIch

No, doesn't make sense when there are a million free ones out there.

It looks like this is a no-go.

Thanks for the feedback.

Rich

chain link fencing

or DATING .. Brand yourself as "links' some sort of love connection

Hi,

Yep, I investigated dating quite a bit. Whitelabel, scripts, etc.

The market is really saturated, and I need a good group of members to start off with, or some novel idea. Lots of newspapers (online and paper) run dating services, as do most large online sites - e.g. Yahoo. So it is a challenge. But I am, as you suggested, keeping my eyes open.

Thanks,

Rich

 

[Diabro]

Rich,

IMHO This is a horrible idea! If you sell subdomains and get an offer for $XXX,XXX you may not be able to sell it because of your "tenants". Selling in this situation could actually even open you up to litigation!

It is a TERRIFIC name. YOU do not even have to come up with a use for it….someone will and if they get backers they will be able to pay you for this.

I wish you luck.

 

[Keynes]

The domain clearly needs to be fully developed - consider the Golfing idea from above - the more concrete and market-driven your concept is, the more likely it is to succeed.

 

[npcomplete]

Rich,

IMHO This is a horrible idea! If you sell subdomains and get an offer for $XXX,XXX you may not be able to sell it because of your "tenants". Selling in this situation could actually even open you up to litigation!

It is a TERRIFIC name. YOU do not even have to come up with a use for it….someone will and if they get backers they will be able to pay you for this.

I wish you luck.

My first reaction to the OP was "woof". That means excellent domain. The above post by Diabro is brilliant. I have done this type of business for many years, and it is a big headache. Just skip it and contact VC or sell it. Diabro is right. When you offer services, these represent legal encumbrances, limiting your ability to sell, unless you get zillions of customers.

Marc

 

[richrf]

Rich,

IMHO This is a horrible idea! If you sell subdomains and get an offer for $XXX,XXX you may not be able to sell it because of your "tenants". Selling in this situation could actually even open you up to litigation!

It is a TERRIFIC name. YOU do not even have to come up with a use for it….someone will and if they get backers they will be able to pay you for this.

I wish you luck.

Hi there Diabro,

Thanks for your feedback. I think this idea is deader than a door nail.

I do want to continue to pursue ideas to develop it, because from my investment days I learned that it is not a good idea to wait, and hope for a buyout. It is always wise to have multiple exit strategies. If I do move ahead with a partner, it would not be an outright sale, but I would probably ask for equity/cash so that I can share in the long term growth of the domain.

Thanks again for your feedback. Saves me lots of time, energy, and money.

Rich

The domain clearly needs to be fully developed - consider the Golfing idea from above - the more concrete and market-driven your concept is, the more likely it is to succeed.

Hi there Keynes,

The golf idea is plausible, if I can come up with some unique approach. The big golf sites are loaded with video, content, experts, and communities. It would be very difficult to convince anyone to come to my site, unless I carve out a reasonable niche. I have some experience playing golf - but I am not avid, which makes it a bit more difficult for me to compete. But I definitely will keep it in mind, as I follow the next season's tournaments.

Best,
Rich

My first reaction to the OP was "woof". That means excellent domain. The above post by Diabro is brilliant. I have done this type of business for many years, and it is a big headache. Just skip it and contact VC or sell it. Diabro is right. When you offer services, these represent legal encumbrances, limiting your ability to sell, unless you get zillions of customers.

Marc

lol. A real bow-wow. huh. Well I undertand that Edison went through thousands ideas before he came up with the right filament for the light bulb. So, back to the drawing board.

The VC thing really doesn't work. I can speak from lots of experience. VCs are set up to put large amounts of money into a company and in return get a large share of the company - much more so, if it is a startup. Often, the entrepreneurs walks away with nothing as they are first marginalized and then replaced. Unless there is a real product/company in place, I would get practically nothing, and I would probably be much better off brokering the name (which I do not intend to do right now), to some large company, with deep pockets, that is looking to launch a new product/service on the net.

Thanks again for the feedback,

Rich