So you're a domainer, eh? Prove it. (Opinion piece)

[MAINNET]

So you're a domainer, eh? Prove it.

This seems to be the sentiment some folks lead with in the NamePros forum and a few other "accessible" domainer circles. Looking in the domain industry's rearview, we can see the 90s have come and gone. Some notable sales have been made; but the space seems to be a shell of itself. Every now and then there's a trend that gets certain domainers talking, making money and on their way. A majority of domainers though are holding out hope they'll be among the lucky ones that'll get a sale this month - maybe even next month.

Here's the reality: It's not just new domainers that are hoping for sales. It's folks who've been around for some time too. Most won't say it; but the critique of certain "successful" domainers doesn't necessarily make it the coolest thing to do. Before anyone comes with their favorite line about "buying quality domains", let us not forget the space hasn't innovated enough to support substantial growth opportunities. So while quality names are one part, lethargic evolution of the space is another.

For the sake of full transparency, I - along with some partners - fall within the category of folks who've been privileged to have some decent sales. They haven't been mega sales - but enough to say we can pick, hold, develop and move em if the market and the universe's favor permits. Nothing too flashy. We like to joke that we sit at the intersection of what domaining was and could become. More than anything, we value people, love language and believe the domain space hasn't scratched the surface of its potential.

With all of this stated, I'd simply like to petition those who care about the domain space, and not just the money, to rethink how WE advise folks who are new to the space and even those who've been here for a while. There's nothing like being blessed to make money in a rather low-key and unregulated sector. This allows more room to strengthen the domainer community as a whole without the divisiveness and superiority complexes some folks SEEM to have. Yes, there's money to be made, but there's PEOPLE to be uplifted.

And because the peanut gallery always needs addressing, here's the sharper end of the blade:

Nobody is saying coddle and lie to folks. I'm merely saying lift your foot off the criticism-gas and remember domain sales don't guarantee YOU have REAL respect, morals, dignity or class. They don't mean you're worthy of being loved or that life will provide you with an abundance of anything that really matters - peace, joy and balance. Say what you want; but remember there's a batch of folks who move in silence. They know it's best to stay in the shadows, make sales and let folks speculate about who's really doing what. Every now and then, they step out to say there's room to do better. That's exactly what THIS thread is intended to signal.

Let us do right by one another and move the space forward. After all, it's well overdue.

 

[Eric Lyon]

This seems like a much better thread than your last one. (Fingers crossed it stays on topic, motivational and moves in a positive direction)

 

[URL Stream]

I'd simply like to petition.. to rethink how WE advise folks who are new to the space and even those who've been here for a while.

@MAINNET To keep the conversation constructive (thanks, Eric), would you mind starting by sharing a piece of advice that hasn’t already been discussed on this platform?

 

[MAINNET]

This seems like a much better thread than your last one. (Fingers crossed it stays on topic, motivational and moves in a positive direction)

I'm glad it resonates with you a bit more this go-round. Everyone has their preferred side of the coin.

 

[MAINNET]

To keep the conversation constructive (thanks, Eric), would you mind starting by sharing a piece of advice that hasn’t already been discussed on this platform?

Considering I haven't had the pleasure of combing every thread of this platform, I'd merely say domainers should openly embrace collaboration and accountability. Not the surface-level stuff that gets you likes - but the things that change lives and challenge folks to be better. Like domains, we're ALL humans with an expiration date when it's all said and done. Why not make sure our efforts count and move the space forward for the sake of the next generation?

 

[Kyle Tully]

So you're a domainer, eh? Prove it.

This seems to be the sentiment some folks lead with in the NamePros forum and a few other "accessible" domainer circles.

I can’t say I’ve noticed this

 

[Eric Lyon]

Considering I haven't had the pleasure of combing every thread of this platform, I'd merely say domainers should openly embrace collaboration and accountability. Not the surface-level stuff that gets you likes - but the things that change lives and challenge folks to be better. Like domains, we're ALL humans with an expiration date when it's all said and done. Why not make sure our efforts count and move the space forward for the sake of the next generation?

I think some of the bigger issues, when it comes to sharing, nurturing, encouraging, etc.. in an investment driven atmosphere collude with the mindset I'll list below.

There's a select few that still put their neck out there and share, regardless of shifts in opinion, as a selfless act to genuinely give others the tools and knowledge as a starting point or in addition to their existing research to better their best and push to new horizons.

The likes just come naturally for those types, without them being saught after intentionally.

The minset of:

1. Corporate/investing secrets are secrets for a reason (the more that know = the more competition = the door closing on opportunities faster = only sharing a fraction of the meaty bits behind the scene)
2. The empowerment of ego driven pride (As you eluded to, these may be those that seek acknowledgement, maybe in the form of likes, to feed ego that transforms into pride. Sometimes, that's OK too, when it doesn't hurt anyone and their sharing is factual, not manipulated buzz words or click bait.)
3. Lead, follow or get out of the way (Many don't understand that leaders dive into the pit of despair head first, hands on, wrestle the bull by the horns and let everyone watch as they wrestle it to the ground, leading by example. So, they accidentally follow the wrong leaders or try to become "like" leaders themselves, without the decades of experience and knowledge to back them, resulting in collateral damage, for the ones that chose to follow them.)
4. Negativity attracts negativity (That's right. You can stick someone in a room full of negativity for a month and someone else in a room of positivity for a month and see the results when they both exit the rooms. The negative atmosphere will warp, demotivate, side track, depress, and stress someone out over time, leading to decreased production, loss of interest, and even Animosity towards the positive side of the room. The person from the positive room will exhibit increased productivity, a higher rate of success, better decision making, and an increase in creative thought processing.)

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

The moral of the story is positivity attracts positivity, which in return increases production, potential, creativity, and success.

Encouraging each other to better our best should be at the forefront of one's daily routine.

In my opinion anyways.

Now, let's all get positively charged by one another to top off our batteries!

 

[JB Lions]

but there's PEOPLE to be uplifted.

or crush them. We're competitors.

 

[JB Lions]

"Let us do right by one another and move the space forward"

What does that mean exactly, what are you looking for that's not already being done?

As far as Namepros, I see people ask for help and most times getting help if somebody can. I do think there is a smart line where you can give help, as long as you're not hurting yourself/business in the process.

So besides helping others when you can, what else?

 

[VadimK]

without the divisiveness and superiority complexes some folks SEEM to have

Your own superiority complex according to this ''manifesto'' is larger than a football field.

 

[MAINNET]

I can’t say I’ve noticed this

Well, it seems all is perfect in domaining from your vantage point. Good for you.

 

[MAINNET]

Your own superiority complex according to this ''manifesto'' is larger than a football field.

Apparently anyone that's a human with a primate profile photo has a sense of what's superior. Good for them.

 

[MAINNET]

or crush them. We're competitors.

Show attachment 280590

Competition is fine. The thread alludes to this. There's still room to be reasonable and of service though.

 

[MAINNET]

"Let us do right by one another and move the space forward"

What does that mean exactly, what are you looking for that's not already being done?

As far as Namepros, I see people ask for help and most times getting help if somebody can. I do think there is a smart line where you can give help, as long as you're not hurting yourself/business in the process.

So besides helping others when you can, what else?

It comes down to foresight and a desire to build better. Without them, everything will always be just fine/enough.

 

[MAINNET]

I think some of the bigger issues, when it comes to sharing, nurturing, encouraging, etc.. in an investment driven atmosphere collude with the mindset I'll list below.

There's a select few that still put their neck out there and share, regardless of shifts in opinion, as a selfless act to genuinely give others the tools and knowledge as a starting point or in addition to their existing research to better their best and push to new horizons.

The likes just come naturally for those types, without them being saught after intentionally.

The minset of:

1. Corporate/investing secrets are secrets for a reason (the more that know = the more competition = the door closing on opportunities faster = only sharing a fraction of the meaty bits behind the scene)
2. The empowerment of ego driven pride (As you eluded to, these may be those that seek acknowledgement, maybe in the form of likes, to feed ego that transforms into pride. Sometimes, that's OK too, when it doesn't hurt anyone and their sharing is factual, not manipulated buzz words or click bait.)
3. Lead, follow or get out of the way (Many don't understand that leaders dive into the pit of despair head first, hands on, wrestle the bull by the horns and let everyone watch as they wrestle it to the ground, leading by example. So, they accidentally follow the wrong leaders or try to become "like" leaders themselves, without the decades of experience and knowledge to back them, resulting in collateral damage, for the ones that chose to follow them.)
4. Negativity attracts negativity (That's right. You can stick someone in a room full of negativity for a month and someone else in a room of positivity for a month and see the results when they both exit the rooms. The negative atmosphere will warp, demotivate, side track, depress, and stress someone out over time, leading to decreased production, loss of interest, and even Animosity towards the positive side of the room. The person from the positive room will exhibit increased productivity, a higher rate of success, better decision making, and an increase in creative thought processing.)

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

The moral of the story is positivity attracts positivity, which in return increases production, potential, creativity, and success.

Encouraging each other to better our best should be at the forefront of one's daily routine.

In my opinion anyways.

Now, let's all get positively charged by one another to top off our batteries!

@Ericlyon You clearly get it. Everything you pointed out is very much accurate and I thank you for taking the time to express it. A lot of what you detailed aligns with the reason why empires crumble and many are never built. The domain space is very unique in the fact it has all the potential in the world; but a handful of folks seem content with its stagnation. They appear stuck in the 90s heyday of domaining. Just an observation though.

Anyone with foresight and a finger on the future's pulse knows the domain space is lethargic and not very innovative. Sure, sales happen and folks chat; but neither really does anything to move the needle - at least not to the benefit of the next generation. On this side, we've been privileged to have sales; but we quickly realized domaining doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. Nor should it be. That's just the unselfish human in us I guess.

I would've thought spotlighting collaboration, accountability and the next generation would've been enough to get some folks pondering what it means to be a domainer in 2025. Yet, the peanut gallery came in with the expected foolery before they ever lead with reasoning and - dare I say - maturity. I'd assume a great deal of their life's value is tied to domain sales and money - so maybe their pushback is a form of desperately holding on.

Domaining has room to grow up and could do some great things if the right people are at the helm. The incoming generation could care less about what the old guys think and will do as they please; but does that mean there's not a baton to be passed? Everything you spoke comes down to a broken culture. When a culture is broken, people, their terrain and the collective ambition suffer. Good to know you understand this more than some.

 

[VadimK]

Apparently anyone that's a human with a primate profile photo has a sense of what's superior. Good for them.

Well, these primates at least clearly know when and whom to help if they can, and if they can't, - they just mind their own business. We could all take a page from their book.

 

[JB Lions]

It comes down to foresight and a desire to build better. Without them, everything will always be just fine/enough.

Again, there is no meat in your replies, just keywords.

Be very specific. For example, specifically what are you building with newbie domainers to make domaining better, move it forward?

“I would've thought spotlighting collaboration, accountability and the next generation would've been enough to get some folks pondering what it means to be a domainer in 2025”

What? Domaining is buying and selling, like most businesses. It’s not a collaboration or group project, there isn’t somebody at the helm, that sounds like corporate, employee speak. It’s a free for all, domainers going at each other trying to get names they can sell for more than they paid. I’m not working with somebody during an auction, I want to beat them to get the domain I want.

 

[Future Sensors]

Something feels off. The original poster advocates for more cooperation, yet simultaneously goes out of their way to criticize the very members who consistently dedicate their time and energy to helping others on this forum. It's not typically in long-winded posts like this, it's in the hundreds, even thousands, of thoughtful replies they've contributed throughout the forum. These are the people actively supporting fellow domain investors and working to improve the marketplaces we all rely on.

 

[MAINNET]

Something feels off. The original poster advocates for more cooperation, yet simultaneously goes out of their way to criticize the very members who consistently dedicate their time and energy to helping others on this forum. It's not typically in long-winded posts like this, it's in the hundreds, even thousands, of thoughtful replies they've contributed throughout the forum. These are the people actively supporting fellow domain investors and working to improve the marketplaces we all rely on.

@futuresensors, Huh?

Have you not read the unnecessary responses some in this thread have led with? Thus far, @ericlyon provided the only thread-relevant, and meaningful, response. Everyone else didn't. They were given a one-liner response because the subject matter is more important than a couple domainers that moonlight as keyboard warriors.

You said "something feels off". Maybe it's the fact you didn't offer a single word that was relevant to collaboration etc. You came with smoke expecting there not to be fire. You know I'm all for replying as needed - long-winded or not. If you can muster the energy, take a moment and read @ericlyon's response. Otherwise, keep it moving.

Our sales, domain experience and contribution to the forum won't suffer.

 

[MAINNET]

Again, there is no meat in your replies, just keywords.

Be very specific. For example, specifically what are you building with newbie domainers to make domaining better, move it forward?

“I would've thought spotlighting collaboration, accountability and the next generation would've been enough to get some folks pondering what it means to be a domainer in 2025”

What? Domaining is buying and selling, like most businesses. It’s not a collaboration or group project, there isn’t somebody at the helm, that sounds like corporate, employee speak. It’s a free for all, domainers going at each other trying to get names they can sell for more than they paid. I’m not working with somebody during an auction, I want to beat them to get the domain I want.

There's no "meat". Ok. You obviously take the lion profile photo a little too seriously sir. Lions are kings of the jungle; but it's also worth noting they get hunted too. If domaining is a free for all for you, that's fine. Continue being free and roaming to places where that's the culture. The domain landscape is big enough. Over here, it's about the people. Get your money and keep it moving. Our sales, progress and endeavors aren't bothered.