.tv Frank Schilling and .tv

[antonis12]

The legendary Frank Schilling on his blog:

http://frankschilling.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/05/tv_sells_500k_i.html

about .tvs. Highly relevant and spot-on to the current verisign mess


--
.TV Sells 500k in First 24hrs of Official Relaunch
May 04, 2007 12:11:13 GMT
http://home.businesswire.com/portal...d=news_view&newsId=20070503006472&newsLang=en
Quote:
Examples of premium domains that were sold in the first day of availability include:
-- bands.tv -- history.tv -- skateboards.tv
-- bridal.tv -- Malibu.tv -- weekend.tv
-- earth.tv -- punk.tv -- yearbook.tv
-- fitness.tv -- realtor.tv
The problem of course is that most of these registrants have no idea how much their renewal fees are going to be. The reason .com got to be numero uno is because renewals were predictable. You could operate a website without the heavy hand of over-regulation. While .TV is regulated in a similar manner as .com (anyone with a credit card may buy one) The cost of renewals is murky:

Reader sends mail:
>
>
> turns out anyone buying a premium .tv domain name has no idea what next year's renewal will be on it.
>
> enom front line phone folks say that Verisign hasn't told them what the renewal costs will be, and they (enom) have no idea when they will know.
> Rosenblatt shouldn't have done this kind of deal without knowing what the renewals will be. Unbelievable.
>
> i was gonna buy a premium domain for a few hundred bucks, but decided against it when i found this out. i asked the guy on the phone if he would buy a 300$ domain, that might be 10,000 to renew a year later. he said, " i doubt they'll be that much."
>
> kicker is he couldn't gaurantee that it wouldn't be.
>
>
> sheesh. what is this, 1996?
>

I've said it before: Name-spaces are like countries. The best and brightest people move to those where the governance is consistent, equitable and where the taxes are low.

Note to the registry operator: This may seem obvious, but the reason .com secondary market prices are robust is 'because' renewals are predictable.

You can't sell Books.tv for $10,000 and charge exorbitant renewals. Only suckers buy into that. .TV tried exorbitant prices and renewals the first time around and managed to ensnare a few suckers and little else. This time around people need to know where they stand. Publish your renewal costs prominently and keep them consistent well into the future, 'that' is how to build a great namespace. If you want to bring incremental revenue, apply some nominal transfer tax when names change owners but without equitable consistent renewals your namespace will never reach its full potential. JMO

 

[smashfactory]

this is a little hard for me to comprehend-
rosenblatt doesnt seem like a stupid man.
the way this rolled out was like one of those candies that start out sweet, but turn sour. how does an intelligent man, who knows this rollout is being watched by the industry, do something so stupid as this. he KNOWS everyone is watching.
i really really dont understand how ANYONE there thought they could just slide this on by domainers....
i LOVE my tvs and did not spend the big premiums- but i am most confused on how a business man actually thought a roll out like this would be.....ok. it makes no sense ;-(

 

[Dr. Mindwrecker]

I think people need to relax...I think these problems Demand will fix and this confusion will be curred and Demand will be held accountable. I think Demand didnt want to sell all the names on the first days anyways...

Wow Jack.TV for sale, already doing a flip?

Way to go! Good Luck!

 

[DomainBuyerBroker]

People should probably relax and maybe we're making too much of the renewal thing but my guess is that Rosenblatt has NO IDEA about Verisign's dirty little secret.

Demand Media may be able to clean up their side of the pricing but have no control over Verisign and I don't expect Verisign to EVER post a single comment on namepros, EVER.

I don't like Verisign and I don't trust them and to me, that is a bad wild card for .tv and DemandMedia.

If DemandMedia ignore the renewal issue IT may go away and WE may go away.

So, DemandMedia should be getting answers from Verisign for us.

 

[smashfactory]

i was propositioned and you know what a domain wench i am soooooooooooo.....

i think i know deep down this will all work out only because i can not imagine for the life of me richard and carson and all would just throw their reputation to the wind- but, crazier things have happened anyways, i am rooting that they will pull thru with a winning answer here shortly

 

[MrRhee]

I think people need to relax...I think these problems Demand will fix and this confusion will be curred and Demand will be held accountable. I think Demand didnt want to sell all the names on the first days anyways...

Wow Jack.TV for sale, already doing a flip?

Way to go! Good Luck!

With respect...

I don't know who you are... and I consider myself NEW to .TV, but I am not new to domains... but in every thread where I see countless .TV domainers express their fear, concern, worry, distrust, disappointment, apathy, etc... over the rollout/renewal pricing fiasco... you tell us NOT to worry. You tell us to relax. This has nothing to do with whether or not DEMAND wanted to sell all their premiums the first day... they SCREWED UP... did you even try to register any PREMIUMS? None of the current language was on the signup &/or BUY pages until 2-3 days after re-launch. In fact, the secondary landing page (with renewal pricing "reminder" warning after you click BUY NOW link) was only added on the 3rd day. How do I know this? Because I was one of the first domainers to register .TV premiums during the re-launch. I was also buying throughout the day, on the 2nd day, and on the 3rd day, etc. The language regarding renewal pricing is truly very disturbing for anyone invested in .TV for the long run. If I was looking to flip, I wouldn't care... that's the next guys problem, right? But who wants to build a serious business on shaky foundation? something is truly wrong and we are only asking for clarification, consistency and honesty. They willingly took our money, and we willing gave it, but then we received mixed messages from their staff regarding renewals, T&C was changed/modified/altered... who knows? All I know is that it currently says: "renewal prices are subject to change"... now that's just ridiculous.

... and people are telling us not to worry? I'll worry about my investments, you worry about yours, but don't even pretend that this screwup wasn't SIGNIFICANT.

I'm not a spectator in this, I'm seriously invested (bought 50+ premiums) and plan to develop each domain into it's own social portal (media, commerce, networking, etc...) but would like to know what to expect. I am fully behind .TV and want to be a productive part of the ecosystem, but this pricing fiasco should've been foreseen or at least resolved as soon as DEMAND was made aware. Many companies outsource or use in-house staff to monitor the BUZZ of the internet and how their company is perceived, so that they can be proactive and solve problems as soon as they happen, or before their happen... the domain industry is no different, DEMAND's staff should be monitoring the domain boards several times a day (or have an ai BOT do it) to remedy this situation and discuss it with us until we are given a straight answer. It doesn't need to be an answer we want to hear, just a consistent one... clarification is essential... this ambiguity is ridiculous.

None of us need to get blindsided by this. We deserve better.

This problem has the potential to do serious harm to the TLD's longevity, possibly tarnish DEMAND's own credibility... when all we want is something simple...

... A STRAIGHT ANSWER.

That's not too much to ask, right?


/rant

 

[smashfactory]

many posts have been said here at name pros- we should have, since day one, been posting them in richards own blog- richard.tv-

can you imagine...............

 

[TheBulldog]

I doubt very seriously that he even looks at it. He likely has some lackey doing it for him.

 

[MillersCrossing]

With respect...

I don't know who you are... and I consider myself NEW to .TV, but I am not new to domains... but in every thread where I see countless .TV domainers express their fear, concern, worry, distrust, disappointment, apathy, etc... over the rollout/renewal pricing fiasco... you tell us NOT to worry. You tell us to relax. This has nothing to do with whether or not DEMAND wanted to sell all their premiums the first day... they SCREWED UP... did you even try to register any PREMIUMS? None of the current language was on the signup &/or BUY pages until 2-3 days after re-launch. In fact, the secondary landing page (with renewal pricing "reminder" warning after you click BUY NOW link) was only added on the 3rd day. How do I know this? Because I was one of the first domainers to register .TV premiums during the re-launch. I was also buying throughout the day, on the 2nd day, and on the 3rd day, etc. The language regarding renewal pricing is truly very disturbing for anyone invested in .TV for the long run. If I was looking to flip, I wouldn't care... that's the next guys problem, right? But who wants to build a serious business on shaky foundation? something is truly wrong and we are only asking for clarification, consistency and honesty. They willingly took our money, and we willing gave it, but then we received mixed messages from their staff regarding renewals, T&C was changed/modified/altered... who knows? All I know is that it currently says: "renewal prices are subject to change"... now that's just ridiculous.

... and people are telling us not to worry? I'll worry about my investments, you worry about yours, but don't even pretend that this screwup wasn't SIGNIFICANT.

I'm not a spectator in this, I'm seriously invested (bought 50+ premiums) and plan to develop each domain into it's own social portal (media, commerce, networking, etc...) but would like to know what to expect. I am fully behind .TV and want to be a productive part of the ecosystem, but this pricing fiasco should've been foreseen or at least resolved as soon as DEMAND was made aware. Many companies outsource or use in-house staff to monitor the BUZZ of the internet and how their company is perceived, so that they can be proactive and solve problems as soon as they happen, or before their happen... the domain industry is no different, DEMAND's staff should be monitoring the domain boards several times a day (or have an ai BOT do it) to remedy this situation and discuss it with us until we are given a straight answer. It doesn't need to be an answer we want to hear, just a consistent one... clarification is essential... this ambiguity is ridiculous.

None of us need to get blindsided by this. We deserve better.

This problem has the potential to do serious harm to the TLD's longevity, possibly tarnish DEMAND's own credibility... when all we want is something simple...

... A STRAIGHT ANSWER.

That's not too much to ask, right?


/rant

Right indeed.

As I said in one of my posts, the longer this goes unanswered, the more anxiety it willl cause amongst investors and push away potential investors.

One would have hoped that DM would have learned from the Dangerous Dan fiasco, that when they have a problem on their hands, be it someone in their marketing department, or wording in Verisigns T&C, dealing with the situation head on is much better than ducking for cover.......

What a shame....I am getting a strong sense of negative deja vu...

 

[StargateCapital]

Mr Rhee is on the $ with that post above. A definitive answer is the way to go regarding renewal fees. Personally, I think .tv goofed when they required premium renewals charges. Sure, sell it once at a premium, but it should be renewed at regular rates/fees. The shear greed of the entire operation shall be its demise, I've no doubt. Indecisiveness on the exact numbers for renewals is a most unhealthy sign.

Just my humble opinion...

CCD

 

[Dr. Mindwrecker]

Ok, let me re-explain my position.

I do not have a problem with these large fee's for premiums, because it protects the fact that the .TV names when bought will most likely be developed, instead of parked. Yes I would like to buy some more premiums, but you cant always get what you want, but at least you can get something.

On the side of the renewal fee's, yes that is a problem, but I dont for see more than a month before this is straightened out.

I think Richard and the Team over there has had to guage between Supply, Demand, Hype and protecting the extension from a bunch of domainers buying and parking all these names.

People that just park names and make money or wait to flip, that is great but personally I would rather see people develop .TV as if too many people park it makes the extension stale and not as valuable.

Richard Rosenblatt is bringing more value to your extensions everyday,with every press release.

.TV needs to have more brands out in front, so that is why I support the high prices to protect the integrity of the brand.

Yes not knowing the renewal fee's is sloppy but these types of conspiracy theories are a result of staring at a computer screen too long IMO.

I think that this forum has kept Demand in check, but seriously, almost everything that was promised was delivered, tools and premiums released, marketing with celebrities, new projects and features in the works all before the end of Spring 2007. All this stuff has been done, and I dont see why this descrpenecy wont be repaired.

With all that im sure they have had to do, im sure quite a few other priorities were on the table at the same time as everything else.

The best advice I can give is get a lawyer for your business plan...

With respect...

I don't know who you are... and I consider myself NEW to .TV, but I am not new to domains... but in every thread where I see countless .TV domainers express their fear, concern, worry, distrust, disappointment, apathy, etc... over the rollout/renewal pricing fiasco... you tell us NOT to worry. You tell us to relax. T

Are you accusing me of being part of this nonsense?

 

[jollyjo]

I too agree Mr Rhee. Not only should I know that I can renew but I should also know that the renewal fee is predictable. And even then that is just half the battle. If I buy a Dot-Com today for $1 million, I know I will be able to lock in at below $10 per year for 10 years. Why then would I spend the same amount on a so called premium Dot-TV with the risk of paying $1 million or even worse, more to renew annually. It makes no sense!

Even if people want to say the renewal is 10 to 15% of the $1 million...the question still remains: How are you going to compete?

Dot-TV is a beautiful extension but we should wake up and smell the coffee. It may very well be that the commercial arrangement between Tuvalu, VeriSign, etc makes for an infeasible extension which we are yet to fully comprehend and accept.

 

[Dr. Mindwrecker]

I too agree Mr Rhee. Not only should I know that I can renew but I should also know that the renewal fee is predictable. And even then that is just half the battle. If I buy a Dot-Com today for $1 million, I know I will be able to lock in at below $10 per year for 10 years. Why then would I spend the same amount on a so called premium Dot-TV with the risk of paying $1 million or even worse, more to renew annually. It makes no sense!

Even if people want to say the renewal is 10 to 15% of the $1 million...the question still remains: How are you going to compete?

Dot-TV is a beautiful extension but we should wake up and smell the coffee. It may very well be that the commercial arrangement between Tuvalu, VeriSign, etc makes for an infeasible extension which we are yet to fully comprehend and accept.

Ok this is what im laughing at,

Most of the .TV names are 24.99,

many of the names have been bought up by investors for resell.

A small percentage of the relaly good names have been pulled off the mrket to protect against hoarding and parking.

EQ even said that people like the dude (elequa? dj.net) would have bought up all the names and none would be left if they were not premiums.

I mean I understand you concern about buying a name and not knowing the re reg fee, but the ugly truth is, THESE PREMIUM NAMES HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR THE BIG DOGGS

 

[Broker]

Many of the high dollar premiums are still available. Why? Because there very expensive to buy off that bat and the renewals are just rediculous. This will only hurt the growth of .tv imho. These rich bastards who have control over all these prices need to settle down a little bit. I guess having millions of dollars in the bank just isnt enough so they try to squeeze every little penny off anyone they can. Corporate america really pisses me off sometimes.

 

[smashfactory]

is it just me or did this screen go double wide

 

[Dr. Mindwrecker]

Many of the high dollar premiums are still available. Why? Because there very expensive to buy off that bat and the renewals are just rediculous. This will only hurt the growth of .tv imho. These rich bastards who have control over all these prices need to settle down a little bit. I guess having millions of dollars in the bank just isnt enough so they try to squeeze every little penny off anyone they can. Corporate america really pisses me off sometimes.

Look I understand where your coming from and I can agree on other parts of your statement here, but I really think the long term growth of this extension does depend on some of these premium names not being parked and being developed by big doggs, but maybe im wrong.

is it just me or did this screen go double wide

Yes your right, I didnt do it.

 

[jollyjo]

I think it would have been better all priced at $25 and someone buying all of them. Then I would be pretty confident that .TV was on its way.

However at these prices coupled with the uncertainty of renewal prices and terms, I dont know who is going to buy them up.

It's a question of supply and demand. Right now we have an over supply of 52,000 premium Dot-TV names.

 

[Broker]

Look I understand where your coming from and I can agree on other parts of your statement here, but I really think the long term growth of this extension does depend on some of these premium names not being parked and being developed by big doggs, but maybe im wrong.

I agree, but these big doggs are business smart. Not everyone needs to spend $50,000 to buy a .tv and $10,000 to renew them every year. They can just as easily use a non premium .anything and make their millions. Enom or whoever is parking and sitting on these names with such high prices for purchases and renewals will likely still be sitting on them next year. And chances are, they dont have to pay no renewal fee.

Its only hurting the extension all the greed.

 

[TheBulldog]

I actually can see all of this from a seller point of view, regardless of who has actually set the prices. Quite frankly, I think enom is more to blame then verisign, but that is just my suspicious nature.

That being said, I want this to take off, but I am very dissapointed in the tools that were released. Really nothing more then myspace, but not nearly as creative and it is doomed by design to burn out very fast unless people really take up tv.

 

[Dr. Mindwrecker]

I agree, but these big doggs are business smart. Not everyone needs to spend $50,000 to buy a .tv and $10,000 to renew them every year. They can just as easily use a non premium .anything and make their millions.

Its only hurting the extension all the greed.

Ok, So why then was flowers.mobi bought for $200,000?

Why didnt that person go reg eFlowers.mobi or Smellmyflowers.com?

Why did the guy buy Vodka.com $3 million?

Because they had the money and they wanted the brand to mass market it, the distribution channel was most likely set up, and in the case of .TV, they probably already have a warehouse full of content to leverage.

Do you understand what your saying, Only a hand ful of names were over 100,000

and then you had a bunch for 25,000 and 10,000 and then the rest for 1,000

and then 500 and 100.

These names were pulled most likely so over the course of the marketing campaign demand has some decent names for sale.