Technical Definition: "Domainer" and "Domain Investor"

[Ategy]

I think most of us are similar in how we define the word "Domainer" and term "Domain Investor", but I was wondering if anyone ever really established a technical definition? More importantly, I'm curious what all of you think?


Maybe something like ...

"Domainer" / "Domain Investor" .. someone who has:
#1 - Registered/purchased more than one domain with intent to sell
#2 - Listed more than one domain for sale.

#3? - (Maybe also) .. Renewed more than one domain.
(Otherwise maybe more of a hobbyist/speculator if they gave up on their domains before maximising the chances of their investment)

Or possibly also:
#4? - Someone who has sold at least one domain that they originally purchased with the intend of reselling for profit (without development).

Also I'm thinking for that last one, it's more the difference between a successful domainer and a non-successful domainer (with both possibly being "domainers" as long as #1 and #2 apply), curious what you all think about someone needing to successfully sell a domain for profit in order to be considered a "Domainer"?


I think I'd also be correct in assuming most of us define "Domainer" and "Domain Investor" as being the same thing, but please post below if you think differently and let us know why?


I didn't really think too hard on this before posting, so likely leaving out some obvious perspectives. Please add your thoughts!

 

[bmugford]

I think most people tend to use the terms interchangeably, but I would consider a "domain investor" to be a slightly higher level than a "domainer".

When I think "investment" it factors in a lot more than just buying some random domains.
You need some type of business model or plan.

If I am talking to someone who asks what I do I normally just use the term "internet investor". It is easier for the average person to understand.

Thanks,
Brad

 

[Bob Hawkes]

I prefer domain name investor. I think it should apply to those who purchase, with plans to sell or lease or monetize in other ways, domain names. I don't think there should be a limit on the time frame, from quick flips to long term investments, as I view all as investments, just with different time horizons.

With respect to @Ategy original definitions, i think it is reasonable that there be a purchase of at least two domain names with intention to sell, as suggested. Probably at least one sale, of a domain name purchased with intention to sell at a profit, is reasonable.

I would not include your renew requirement - there are definitely people buying and selling domain names that almost never renew any. They try a flip within the year and then move on. I know it is not a model that many follow, but it seems to me it is domain name investment. In the new gTLDs, a probabilistic approach actually favours the approach to some degree where the ratio of renewal rate to first year registration can be as high as 25:1 in some cases.

An interesting question if we reach a point with proportional ownership and other mechanisms allow domains to be broadly held in a passive way similar other instruments like commodities or stocks/bonds are invested by people through ETFs and mutual funds, are people who invest in that way, but do not directly sell domains, domain name investors? I think so, but see argument each way.

Now is domainer a different term? I think it could be a broader term, which includes domain investors but also those who have a passion for domain names but don't do it specifically as an investment. They may collect names for largely personal use and pleasure, or passionately analyze and discuss and promote domain names, without specific significant personal investments. I realize this interpretation is different from that in internet definitions that do refer to buy and sell as part of definition of domainer. What if someone wrote about the domain industry, attended conferences, etc. but for whatever reasons did not invest personally? They are not a domain name investor. They perhaps could be considered a domainer?

Does anyone know if there has ever been a formal effort to get domainer recognied as a term by one of the major dictionaries?

Thanks for starting the thread, @Ategy, and those who have contributed.

Bob

 

[bmugford]

Technically I would consider a "domainer" someone who is involved in the trade of domains.

That would require both acquiring (via registration or purchase) and selling.
Without both parts I don't consider you involved in a trade.

If you are just buying, without sales, that is basically just collecting.
If you register/purchase domains for usage that is more development, not being a domainer IMO.

Brad

 

[Internet.Domains]

Domain investor sounds more professional. Definately better to use this term outside of the domain industry....IMO

 

[iAdam]

If we compare domain names to real estate: domainer is like a house flipper .. someone who is buying domains to resell for quick profit. On the other hand a domain investor is someone who is buying valuable domain names (properties) and holding to them until they find a new home for a good profit or can either develop/invest on them i.e. joint ventures

 

[karmaco]

-eer

a noun-forming suffix occurring originally in loanwords from French (buccaneer; mutineer; pioneer) and productive in the formation of English nouns denoting persons who produce, handle, or are otherwise significantly associated with the referent of the base word (auctioneer; engineer; mountaineer; pamphleteer); now frequently pejorative (profiteer; racketeer).Compare -ary, -er2, -ier2.

eer is used in the brandables niche.I have sold a few. Not sure I really like it after the word domain but it works.

 

[equity78]

Domainer
A person who buys domains on the internet and squats on them, thinking they're going to be approached by a billionaire venture capitalist who wants to buy the domain for their next big project and will drop $$$$$$$$$ making the domainer rich. In reality the domainer will never sell their junk domains, will continue to live in their mother's basement, and be a burden to the web based startup community, the internet, and entire world in general.
Domain Auction Headline: "Iphone5g-news.com - starting bid $1,000 USD or buy it now for $10,000,000, this is a billion dollar business opportunity!!! I have been a domainer for over 1 years and we sell other top quality domain names. Please contact us for more domains!"
#loser#scumbag#basement dweller#pedophile#domain#url#website#entreprenuer
by bourbonman February 24, 2011

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=domainer

Hahahahaha

 

[Samer]

i want the word to be added to the dictionary, i think due to this; subject to wider interpretation “domainer” prefer “investor” #4 sounds best

For those of you who doubt “cryptocurrency”; cryptocurrency made to the dictionary before “domainer” how

Samer

 

[JB Lions]

When asked, I've always just said domainer and you get that split second of the person having no idea what you're talking about, but I follow that up quickly with, I buy and sell domain names.

I've always like the 1 word domainer, sounds powerful like dominate or Conan. Or course Conan the Barbarian or Conan the Destroyer sounds tougher. Domain investor I might start using.

As far as domainer being in the dictionary. Never been a big deal to me, I know somebody else constantly brings it up. Not in some major ones but dictionaries are a dime a dozen on the internet:

https://www.yourdictionary.com/domainer

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/domainer

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=domainer

etc.

Not so enthused

 

[bmugford]

Brad seriously,
is “domaineer” correct? the word doesnt exist technically, see “ee” spelling once a blue moon

Tho i do agree with everything you just said

I have not seen that used very much, but there are some references to it online.
So I guess some people use it.

I don't like that term though. It is a mix between domain and domineer.

Brad

 

[Hypersot]

If you are just buying, without sales, that is basically just collecting.

It never occurred to me that there is also the type of person who just collects domains. I'm talking about literally 'collecting', as in, as a hobby. So, we should also add 'Domain Hobbyist' to the list

 

[HotKey]

Well when we get it figured out, don't forget to add it to NP's The Domaining Dictionary

I mind personally domainer vs domain investor, to me they are the same as one doesn't have to be exclusive of the other in terms of technical definition. A term is as professional as you make it. There could be a broad meaning, with many subsets however that the terms could be broken down into, as mentioned within the thread.

Also there is this post to look at that has some related terms along with interesting definitions by it's OP
https://www.namepros.com/threads/what-kind-of-domainer-are-you.1177720/

 

[equity78]

I prefer domain name investor. I think it should apply to those who purchase, with plans to sell or lease or monetize in other ways, domain names. I don't think there should be a limit on the time frame, from quick flips to long term investments, as I view all as investments, just with different time horizons.

With respect to @Ategy original definitions, i think it is reasonable that there be a purchase of at least two domain names with intention to sell, as suggested. Probably at least one sale, of a domain name purchased with intention to sell at a profit, is reasonable.

I would not include your renew requirement - there are definitely people buying and selling domain names that almost never renew any. They try a flip within the year and then move on. I know it is not a model that many follow, but it seems to me it is domain name investment. In the new gTLDs, a probabilistic approach actually favours the approach to some degree where the ratio of renewal rate to first year registration can be as high as 25:1 in some cases.

An interesting question if we reach a point with proportional ownership and other mechanisms allow domains to be broadly held in a passive way similar other instruments like commodities or stocks/bonds are invested by people through ETFs and mutual funds, are people who invest in that way, but do not directly sell domains, domain name investors? I think so, but see argument each way.

Now is domainer a different term? I think it could be a broader term, which includes domain investors but also those who have a passion for domain names but don't do it specifically as an investment. They may collect names for largely personal use and pleasure, or passionately analyze and discuss and promote domain names, without specific significant personal investments. I realize this interpretation is different from that in internet definitions that do refer to buy and sell as part of definition of domainer. What if someone wrote about the domain industry, attended conferences, etc. but for whatever reasons did not invest personally? They are not a domain name investor. They perhaps could be considered a domainer?

Does anyone know if there has ever been a formal effort to get domainer recognied as a term by one of the major dictionaries?

Thanks for starting the thread, @Ategy, and those who have contributed.

Bob

Great post Bob.

 

[The Durfer]

i agree, domain investor sounds more prestigious like you have what / com or TakeOut / com. While domainer sounds like everything else. Im a domainer until im a domain investor anyway.

 

[Ategy]

i prefer “investor”

I edited the original post to also include "Domain Investor", as I think a lot of people would agree with you that they prefer the term. But how would you technically define either term?

 

[Samer]

I edited the original post to also include "Domain Investor", as I think a lot of people would agree with you that they prefer the term. But how would you technically define either term?

#4 all the way. like, i’d actually recommend to Oxford for them to use those exact words.
they dont usually develop (take more skill)
and selling in itself — profit or not — is huge! Someone has to want it, and you have let go.
Many have 0 trade score, so easier said done; buying is the “easy part” #4 match best for me.

Plus You never forget your first sale!!!

Samer

 

[Hypersot]

Shouldn't it be 'domaineer'? I was always under the impression that the correct term is the one with the double 'ee'.

 

[Ategy]

Shouldn't it be 'domaineer'? I was always under the impression that the correct term is the one with the double 'ee'.

I've never seen the term Domaineer. Either way though, I'm more interested in how people technically define the term, Whichever term you personally use to mean what we all understand to be a Domainer and/or Domain Investor. That being said .. if anyone thinks these terms have different technical definitions to them, please explain the differences .. however I'm more interested on what someone much have technically done to be considered a Domainer.

 

[Hypersot]

Ok. Here is how I see it:
domaineer = someone that monetises domains via parking and/or any types of ads on a single lander page (eg. mini sites).
domain investor = the professional term that describes the activity of acquiring domains to resell them
domainer = not that good a term.. I always felt like the word made fun of domain investing honestly.

Again, that's just me with what I have gathered through the years from reading stuff here and there.

 

[poweredbyme]

All investors are resellers. Aren't they?
So,
domain reseller = domain investor

Success and experience mean nothing when it comes to profession once you have got the title.
Domainer is always a domainer even if he has never sold a domain. Buying a domain to sell makes someone domainer till forever like once you are a medical doctor, driver, plumber you are always so regardless of how good or bad at your job.

 

[equity78]

Technically I would consider a "domainer" someone who is involved in the trade of domains.

That would require both acquiring (via registration or purchase) and selling.
Without both parts I don't consider you involved in a trade.

If you are just buying, without sales, that is basically just collecting.
If you register/purchase domains for usage that is more development, not being a domainer IMO.

Brad

Then Brad we get into certain people's definitions of a "domainer" remember Adam Dicker and Rick years ago?

 

[lock]

The dictionary doesn't really know what we are.

 

[dande]

I'm a Domain Investor. That's how I introduce myself anywhere I go. Among other things, that's what I do for a living. And I kinda like title as it carries more respect compared to just a Domainer.

Here's How I define each.

Domainer = Someone who register domains with the intent to resell for profit. Usually sell nothing or from $10 - $1,000.

To qualify as a Domainer, you should own at least 1 domain at $10.

Domain Investor = Someone who register or buy domains to resell at higher profit. Someone who have sold or regularly sell from $10,000 and above.

To qualify as a Domain Investor, you must have invested at least $10,000 at a go.

 

[JB Lions]

urbandictionary the equivalence of “The Onion”

cant complain about other 2

Samer

Seems ok to me, not that bad:

A person who makes a living in the cyberterritory, making his fortune investing in the field of domain names, buying and selling the Internet's most valuable virtual "real estate".