domain I have the chance to buy a 12 year old, 4 letter .com with existing site

[01i]

The original developer of omgn.com (originally the `Online Multiplayer Games Network` and then rebranded to the `Online Movies and Games Network` a few years ago), recently announced that the site was closing.

The site has been dwindling over the last few years, he's had problems finding new reviewers, and is paying a lot to host the domain.

The site is one of - if not the - oldest online game review sites, dating back to 2002. Back in the day it was pretty well known, and from experience I know that wikipedia considers old reviews from the site to be "noteable".

I run an old browser game that was reviewed by them back in the day, and so offered to host the domain for free as an archive, in return for the advertising revenues, and the option to try and rejuvenate the site in the future should I wish it.

However, I also have the choice of trying to find the funds to purchase it from him (including the site and database).

• 4 letter acronym .com (and .net too)
• 12 year no-drop registration
• PR of 3
• Dmoz listing (Games -> Video Games -> Multiplayer)
• Moz DA is 36 and PA is 42
• Majestic trust flow is 37, citation flow is 32.

It also looks like that referring domains has dropped to a 10th of it's previous level 5 years ago, I'm not sure if that indicates an issue. During this period the site stopped being an online game 'directory' with voting system for the best games and started just being a reviews site. The directory and voting system stills exists as an archive and could be ressurected.

My question is where should the line be drawn between hosting the site for the original owner as an archive, and buying the site and domain outright.

I've done a couple of online estimates, but I'm getting wild variations in the estimates.

How much is fair for a site like this?

 

[01i]

Does nobody have any opinions on this?

Is $100 all that you guys would for the domain in my place? $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, $100,000??

Where should the line be drawn?

 

[distlej]

I would value the site and the domain separately.
When you buy a site you should value it based on current and potential earnings. Industry standard is 18 months to 2 years earnings depending on who you talk to. If it's not monetized presently, you'll need to estimate potential earnings based on number of visitors, CTR (estimated click thru rate on ads) and CPC (cost per click). Google adwords can give you some idea of CPC for common gaming terms. Use CTR of no more than 1% to be conservative.

Earnings Estimate = Visitors per month x CPC x CTR x 18

Don't pay much more than this number for the site.

For the domain, it depends on the letters.
OMGN are 3 premium plus vowel, but not pronounceable. Similar combos have sold recently from $200-$2000
Good Luck

 

[Paully]

It is a domain that you are familiar with. You know the history of it and are interested in it so you should be discussing it with the seller direct and finding a deal you both are happy with.

In my opinion, posting it here will only introduce other interested parties to the seller resulting in you either losing the opportunity or paying more than you would have had to if you had have kept it to yourself.