.mobi Is .MOBI really dead?

[sky]

Hi,

I just reg'ed a couple of .COMs, and a friend suggested I get the .MOBI extension for the names to since it is also applicable for cell phones, etc...

But I'm thinking it's a waste of money and little use to me from the standpoint of making any profits in any form whatsoever, ever and even of little or no use to end users.

Is there any data to support or refute this bias I've developed based on hearsay over the past few months?

 

[000]

Oh and another thing...

For .mobi to really take off, we would need to see a good number of TOP sites actually seriously PROMOTING .mobi's as their mobile sites.

Google.com
Yahoo.com
YouTube.com
Facebook.com
Live.com
MSN.com
WikiPedia.org
Blogger.com
MySpace.com
Baidu.com
WordPress.com
QQ.com
Microsoft.com

These are all Top 20 sites according to Alexa.

Only a couple of them even resolve to a relevant page. None of them are being promoted in any way.

And, personally, I'd be surprised if any of them are ever promoted. I hope I'm wrong, but realistically I don't see it happening. Maybe one or two... but as I said I would be surprised at even that.



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All that said..... do I believe .mobi to be worth investing in? YES, if you know what you're doing, and make wise choices. If you're strictly a domainer - especially one without much domaining experience.... I say be careful. There are definitely some good .mobi's out there that have value and may even be great buys in this economy!... BUT there is also a ton of crap.


------

OH, and don't get me wrong:

I think .mobi is great for companies to use to advertise their mobile site.

It just makes a lot of sense to me as a marketing enthusiast.

The question is.... how many will actually do it?




?

 

[snoop]

It definitely can be. Like right now, prices are really low, so all companies are bad... or maybe good time to buy?

Generally though the best indication of value is what the company trades at. You might argue prices now are really low, just as many others probably think they are too high and that it is a great time to sell.

In the tech sector you get a lot of bubbles in specific hot industries. Sectors can be worthless and then become hot. Do you buy after the price goes up or before?

Unless you are holding a crystal ball it is simplistic to say people should buy before the price goes up, just like it is meaningless to say sell before the price goes down. Some things go up, some things go down, some things go no where.

 

[scandiman]

Oh and another thing...

For .mobi to really take off, we would need to see a good number of TOP sites actually seriously PROMOTING .mobi's as their mobile sites.

Google.com
Yahoo.com
YouTube.com
Facebook.com
Live.com
MSN.com
WikiPedia.org
Blogger.com
MySpace.com
Baidu.com
WordPress.com
QQ.com
Microsoft.com

These are all Top 20 sites according to Alexa.

Only a couple of them even resolve to a relevant page. None of them are being promoted in any way.

And, personally, I'd be surprised if any of them are ever promoted. I hope I'm wrong, but realistically I don't see it happening. Maybe one or two... but as I said I would be surprised at even that.

Would serious .mobi promotion by these companies help .mobi? Absolutely. But IMO what will make .mobi take off is mobile web entrepreneurs who build the next killer mobile web apps on .mobi domains. It's very much like iPhone apps, the people who are making that space explode are entrepreneurs, not major software corporations.

 

[000]

Would serious .mobi promotion by these companies help .mobi? Absolutely. But IMO what will make .mobi take off is mobile web entrepreneurs who build the next killer mobile web apps on .mobi domains. It's very much like iPhone apps, the people who are making that space explode are entrepreneurs, not major software corporations.

But is this happening? What mobile web entrepreneurs are actually using .mobi for their killer mobile web apps? Or do you see it as something [hopefully] yet to come?

 

[scandiman]

But is this happening? What mobile web entrepreneurs are actually using .mobi for their killer mobile web apps? Or do you see it as something [hopefully] yet to come?

Yes, it is happening, but a lot more needs to come, and it is coming. For example a serious adult site with an affiliate program was recently launched that is going strong, a big mobile web dating site is currently in beta, and I'm personally involved in something that is going live soon as well in a different industry altogether. Each new player becomes a catalyst for others, the bar keeps being raised and .mobi grows in the process.

 

[ginggang]

Thanks misread that, even the .com wouldn't get alot of traffic (maybe 10-20 uniques per day) so the chance of ukporn.mobi getting natural type in traffic is minute in my view. Most likely spillover traffic for another site or bot traffic.

http://siteanalytics.compete.com/ukporn.com/?metric=uv

My post was to show you are probably completely wrong on your assumption on hits to sex.mobi.

It's not most likely bots or spillover 18% clickthrough. I have other sites that get types as well. Obviously people are using those terms specficaly. The keyword is a minniow compared to sex so no question uniques will probably be in the 10,000 if not 100,000's

I could be wrong, but that could be part of the subtle factor behind .MOBI's failure to really take off. I think .CELL would have been vastly better than .MOBI. I realize that .MOBI is designed for mobile devices in general, but that nerdish distinction is quickly lost.

I bet if the .MOBI TLD announced it was changing the TLD to .CELL and taking all existing registrants with it, there would suddenly be a lot of VERY happy .MOBI owners and that TLD could be on it's way to taking off. Just a hunch.

Cell is not a common word outside of certain countries. No-one I know of in the UK or Western Europe who I deal with uses "cell" to desribe their phone. It's allways "mobile" or "blackberry". I do use the word "mobi" though rather than mobile in :D

 

[000]

The keyword is a minniow compared to sex so no question uniques will probably be in the 10,000 if not 100,000's

Sex.mobi getting 10,000 or 100,000 uniques a month? Not a chance imho...

I'd be surprised if it got 1000 uniques a month naturally right now.

But, sadly, since it's not even so much as resolving, I guess there's no way to know.

 

[ginggang]

Sex.mobi getting 10,000 or 100,000 uniques a month? Not a chance imho...

I'd be surprised if it got 1000 uniques a month naturally right now.

But, sadly, since it's not even so much as resolving, I guess there's no way to know.

Ok..go with this. There are some "knows" which can be used to make a decent assumption.

I know ukporn.mobi is getting 150 unique type ins a month.

I also know that ukporn.mobi is inferior to sex.mobi regards keyword value

It's an easy extrapolation to make to see that sex.mobi would generate far more uniques than 150 per month. I still believe my figures are accurate for the possible traffic.

Would be interesting to see any other stats on adult realted domains.

 

[000]

Ok..go with this. There are some "knows" which can be used to make a decent assumption.

I know ukporn.mobi is getting 150 unique type ins a month.

I also know that ukporn.mobi is inferior to sex.mobi regards keyword value

It's an easy extrapolation to make to see that sex.mobi would generate far more uniques than 150 per month. I still believe my figures are accurate for the possible traffic.

Would be interesting to see any other stats on adult realted domains.

I'm talking 'natural' traffic.

I'm rather skeptical that UKporn.mobi's traffic is 'natural'.

 

[mo_dork]

Generally though the best indication of value is what the company trades at. You might argue prices now are really low, just as many others probably think they are too high and that it is a great time to sell.
Unless you are holding a crystal ball it is simplistic to say people should buy before the price goes up, just like it is meaningless to say sell before the price goes down. Some things go up, some things go down, some things go no where.

Its not all random like it could go either way, up or down. That is the whole point of making shrewd investments before the mass market. As they say, Its all about timing (and research).

Yes, it is happening, but a lot more needs to come, and it is coming. For example a serious adult site with an affiliate program was recently launched that is going strong, a big mobile web dating site is currently in beta, and I'm personally involved in something that is going live soon as well in a different industry altogether. Each new player becomes a catalyst for others, the bar keeps being raised and .mobi grows in the process.

Exactly, we are 2 years in and the first signs of the greater mobile web are appearing. iphone explosion etc. Many new mobile apps and and new businesses are on the drawing board or in development right now. One small example was that site webtel.mobi that launched a little while ago. I guess that company figured-
webtel.mobi
or
mywebtelephone.com

I think they made the right decision. Although they probably could have got themselves something even more generic for $xxxx

 

[Kate]

I asked the question yesterday, do you agree that the primary way to access the web will be via mobile phones in 5 years?

What do you mean by primary ? Are you suggesting mobile Internet traffic will take over desktop-based traffic ?
BTW have you noticed the proliferation of ultra-portable PCs (netbooks). Mine fits in my handbag... next to my cellphones :tu:

 

[headstart]

.Mobi will not compete with .com; it's just another alternative choice extension. (quote from Egnited-Tom)

This is not true for 2 reasons.

1th. The money invested in .mobi could have been invested in .coms or
any other TLD as well. Actually any new TLD or ccTLD hearts .com IMO.

2nd. Jeff used the words "out and on the go" but there will be a time
mobile devices will partly replace the desktops in your home. I already
see people using their mobile to search things on the net whilst there
is a desktop computer within a few meters of them. And they are always seeking for simple answers on a question they have at that moment, they
don't need a fully developped website but a quick answer to there question.
I think people will adore mobile friendly sites in the future and as most
.com owners don't see this others will be faster and the .coms will loose
traffic.

 

[mo_dork]

What do you mean by primary ? Are you suggesting mobile Internet traffic will take over desktop-based traffic ?
BTW have you noticed the proliferation of ultra-portable PCs (netbooks). Mine fits in my handbag... next to my cellphones :tu:

Absolutely suggesting that.

Regarding ultra portable pcs. I think its a small market compared to actual mobile phones. But we don't need to speculate on this stuff, there are stats and trends and lots of growth predictions. We have 1Billion web users worldwide, we have 4Billion mobile phones right now. The number of these phones that will be web enabled will increase substantially over the next few years. Eventually the mobile web will be multiple times larger than the pc web.

 

[headstart]

Absolutely suggesting that.

Regarding ultra portable pcs. I think its a small market compared to actual mobile phones. But we don't need to speculate on this stuff, there are stats and trends and lots of growth predictions. We have 1Billion web users worldwide, we have 4Billion mobile phones right now. The number of these phones that will be web enabled will increase substantially over the next few years. Eventually the mobile web will be multiple times larger than the pc web.

No doubt about that!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pred]

What do you mean by primary ? Are you suggesting mobile Internet traffic will take over desktop-based traffic ?
BTW have you noticed the proliferation of ultra-portable PCs (netbooks). Mine fits in my handbag... next to my cellphones :tu:

omg, are you suggesting it wont!


most of the world dont carry handbags. children, men and a lot of younger women. (ok, italian men do, but theyre a special case :sold

also the women that do carry bags wont want to on a night out, on the beach, going to sports, or wont want a clunky netbook or laptop etc

havent you noticed they cant give away laptops at minute? theyre trying to give them free at pcworld here ,sure the catch is you sign for a mobile contract) which people dont want to do as means you pay a firtune annually on their current tarriffs

laptops are still good, for on holiday in hotel or on train with wifi etc. although a good mibile does trick for most

people will have a lappy at home to replace the pc where prices are tumbling and their mobile for out and about. the youngsters will just be happy with the mobile imho

people do though carry mobile phones................... everywhere

 

[hawkeye]

omg, are you suggesting it wont!


most of the world dont carry handbags. children, men and a lot of younger women. (ok, italian men do, but theyre a special case :sold

also the women that do carry bags wont want to on a night out, on the beach, going to sports, or wont want a clunky netbook or laptop etc

havent you noticed they cant give away laptops at minute? theyre trying to give them free at pcworld here ,sure the catch is you sign for a mobile contract) which people dont want to do as means you pay a firtune annually on their current tarriffs

laptops are still good, for on holiday in hotel or on train with wifi etc. although a good mibile does trick for most

people will have a lappy at home to replace the pc where prices are tumbling and their mobile for out and about. the youngsters will just be happy with the mobile imho

people do though carry mobile phones................... everywhere

There you go, pointing out common sense again. geesh.

 

[dag]

What do you mean by primary ? Are you suggesting mobile Internet traffic will take over desktop-based traffic?

Mobile traffic will almost certainly overtake desktop-based traffic worldwide over the next 3 years (and that may be a conservative estimate). It's already happening...just Google to see the trend (one report even puts mobile ahead of desktop right now in South Africa).

 

[BostonDomainer]

The fact that you have to ask is your answer

 

[000]

.Mobi will not compete with .com; it's just another alternative choice extension. (quote from Egnited-Tom)

This is not true for 2 reasons.

1th. The money invested in .mobi could have been invested in .coms or
any other TLD as well. Actually any new TLD or ccTLD hearts .com IMO.

2nd. Jeff used the words "out and on the go" but there will be a time
mobile devices will partly replace the desktops in your home. I already
see people using their mobile to search things on the net whilst there
is a desktop computer within a few meters of them. And they are always seeking for simple answers on a question they have at that moment, they
don't need a fully developped website but a quick answer to there question.
I think people will adore mobile friendly sites in the future and as most
.com owners don't see this others will be faster and the .coms will loose
traffic.

1st:
The money invested in .biz could have been invested in .com's.
The money invested in .us could have been invested in .com's.
The money invested in .tel could have been invested in .com's.
etc etc etc.
I don't get what you are saying.

2nd:
Even if 70% of all internet traffic was from mobile devices, that doesn't mean .mobi would be more valuable than .com. It all depends on factors such as the following:

- IF huge websites adopt and actually PROMOTE .mobi (YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, Google, MSN, etc).
- IF the majority of the mobile users decides that they prefer 'mobile' websites vs. viewing full-sized websites on smartphones such as the iPhone. More and more mobile users are getting these types of phones that have these capabilities. It just comes down to which browsing method they ultimately choose as their favorite.

Mobile web does not = .mobi. Even if/when the mobile web's use SOARS, it can leave .mobi (for the most part), behind.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that .mobi is on the same level as .biz, .us, .tel, .tv, etc. I like .mobi. I'm invested in .mobi. What I'm saying is that it's not going to compete with .com (at least anywhere within the near future... who knows what's ahead of us 10-20 years from now). Why? Because .com is instilled in everyone's mind as KING (well, in the US anyways). That's what our minds have always been told is the 'king' extension, and it would take a LOT to change that.

For .mobi to 'take off' fully, we NEED these Alexa top-ranked sites to thoroughly promote their .mobi. We need to train people's minds to think "mobile web = .mobi". Train 'em while the mobile web is still new. If people are trained to think "mobile web = m.site.com, etc" (which is currently what's happening), it will be too late to reverse that and tell them to do it differently (.mobi).

Once something is instilled in your mind, it's nearly impossible to reverse. If, two years from now (just throwing out a number), the de facto way to access mobile web content is NOT .mobi, it will be too late. That's not to say it won't be used (I believe it still would be)... but it would at that point be too late for .mobi to become the standard. Some sites would still use it, but the majority wouldn't.

That's right, I just said that if .mobi isn't (1) the standard, or at least (2) fast approaching the standard, it will be too late for it to ever fully 'take off'. At that point it would not be "worthless" (as long as it is still being used somewhat)... it would just then never have the chance of being incredibly valuable (ie, comparable to the prices we saw during the .mobi hype period). The prices then wouldn't be hugely different than we are seeing today.

 

[Kate]

Mobile traffic will almost certainly overtake desktop-based traffic worldwide over the next 3 years (and that may be a conservative estimate). It's already happening...just Google to see the trend (one report even puts mobile ahead of desktop right now in South Africa).

3 years more ? Isn't it what was said when .mobi was launched 3 years ago ?

Regarding ultra portable pcs. I think its a small market compared to actual mobile phones. But we don't need to speculate on this stuff, there are stats and trends and lots of growth predictions.

If I have two hours to kill on a train or on an airplane I'm happy I have a notebook to work and type reports etc. There's no why I could do that with a cellphone, even a Blackberry.

We have 1Billion web users worldwide, we have 4Billion mobile phones right now.

4 billion cellphones ? Great. Some 3rd world countries like Bangladesh have respectable mobile phone penetration rates but the Internet is not very developed. As for mobile Internet it is embryonic at best

But Snoop has said it well, the mobile Internet is a reality and it does not need its own TLD.

Once something is instilled in your mind, it's nearly impossible to reverse. If, two years from now (just throwing out a number), the de facto way to access mobile web content is NOT .mobi, it will be too late. That's not to say it won't be used (I believe it still would be)... but it would at that point be too late for .mobi to become the standard. Some sites would still use it, but the majority wouldn't.

Obviously .mobi is not "the" mobile Internet standard. End users have spoken.
Get over it.

 

[000]

Of course there are times when you'll want to use a PC/laptop/netbook... but the mobile web is growing exponentially and there's no denying that.

Netbooks are no replacement for mobile devices. Netbooks really aren't as "mobile" as you're making them out to be. They're simply a novelty item.

Obviously .mobi is not "the" mobile Internet standard. End users have spoken.
Get over it.

I think we all realize that 'currently' .mobi is nowhere near the mobile web standard. But that doesn't mean the 'game' is over. Far from it. The mobile web is still in its infancy, so to state that questions such as "which URL format will be the standard" are answered is preposterous.

 

[thebiffenator]

Speaking of .mobi traffic.

iwantinfo.mobi


It is growing every month greatly.

This is just from April 1st from AW Stats on HOstgator:

Uniques: 4,158
Visits: 7,519
Hits: 125,950
Bandwidth: 900Mb

It has been averaging around 20,000 hits a day recently.

Now the past few months I noticed it rising rapidly and wondered what it was, it turned out to be back link adult sites drivin it. I have a tag that people place on there site that rates and gives them higherrank.

This should show you that development is key and honestly the name is not that good, but easy to remember. The other day I did an experiment I placed a banner for my other site right on the front page. Yesterday it got 20 clicks (probably more but wont find out till tommorrow). But thats not to bad.

I guess the point is that with all my sites, I just keep traffic growing and growing every month. When I first bought poop.mobi, it was getting 30 visits a day now it is getting 100 uniues a day and 160+ visits. (I jsut redeveloped the site. People keep coming back I have over 700 registered users.

 

[mjnels]

If I have two hours to kill on a train or on an airplane I'm happy I have a notebook to work and type reports etc. There's no why I could do that with a cellphone, even a Blackberry.

kate kate kate... you are showing your age.

 

[snoop]

It's not most likely bots or spillover 18% clickthrough. I have other sites that get types as well. Obviously people are using those terms specficaly. The keyword is a minniow compared to sex so no question uniques will probably be in the 10,000 if not 100,000's

Madness....did you calulate this based on anything other the the ukporn stuff? Secondly an 18% click thru does sound like spillover traffic to me, that would be very low for a natural type in name.

Its not all random like it could go either way, up or down. That is the whole point of making shrewd investments before the mass market. As they say, Its all about timing (and research).

So if you know all about timing the market and buying when things are cheap how come you joined this site right at the peak of the .mobi boom in 2007 and started bidding on lots of LLL.mobi's? It is one one thing to say you can do this and another completely to actually be able to actually do it. Buy low, sell high, time the market, pick the undervalued investments...yes we've heard it before but really it is meaningless banter.

 

[mjnels]

lol

landrush 2006 was a good time to stockpile the good generic .mobi's for cheap... summer 2007 there was already a huge bubble for speculators.

the LLL.mobi bubble was simply insane... of course i often got blamed for "lowering the prices" once i jumped in on that game.. before it completely collapsed.