The .PRO Discussion

[InvisionTech]

It seems .PRO is slowly coming out of the cage with cheaper reg prices than they were a year ago and major registrars like netsol taking notice of the extension and promoting it.

Here are some that I picked up in last couple of days:

Alexandria.pro

Anchorage.pro

Arlington.pro

Belfast.pro

Birmingham.pro

Budapest.pro

Durham.pro

Fairfax.pro

Italian.pro

Lisbon.pro

Fire away with your regs after the relaunch on September 8th, 2008.

 

[Kate]

Comparing apples to oranges.
Gold and silver are physical commodities that have built-in value. Domain names have no built-in value, especially outlying extensions.
The growth figures alone don't tell the whole story.
I'd for example look at how many .pro are actually developed and not in domainers hands.

 

[webdomain]

Looks like all the zip codes in .pro are soon to drop. Encircal published this article on pro zipcodes saying they are offering a deal to anyone that wants to bulk register!

zip.pro is a great concept and it looks like they have restructured their website to use subdomains so hope they continue their business!!

 

[Kate]

Over 25% Of All .Pro Domains Were Deleted Yesterday

Can't say I am surprised. The outcome would have been the same in another extension.

 

[mwzd]

http://www.encirca.com/domain-news/2012/is-there-a-viable-business-with-truly-local-domain-names/

The single registrant of the domains was a company called HGTN sharing the same ownership as Hostway, the .PRO registry at the time. (The .PRO Registry has since been sold to Afilias)

These domains were deliberately kept out by of the numbers reported by akcampbell

Total .pros registered to April 2012, excluding zip .pros, increased by 6.5% in the month to 105,554.

Average daily WHOIS searches increased 13% to 86,885.

Year on year total .pros registered are up 65.3% and average daily WHOIS searches are up 194.9%.

 

[JoeBiz]

Comparing apples to oranges.
Gold and silver are physical commodities that have built-in value. Domain names have no built-in value, especially outlying extensions.
The growth figures alone don't tell the whole story.
I'd for example look at how many .pro are actually developed and not in domainers hands.

I'm not going to argue with you, but you missed the point.

 

[sky]

SDSINC is psychic.

But with Jimmy Carter inflation not too far ahead

http://www.encirca.com/domain-news/2012/volume-of-pro-domains-increase-by-220-in-two-years/

8^X

Hey, this is not a partisan politics forum. Don't slip in that junk to incite political flame wars or use this *domaining* forum push your political opinions. If you want to discuss politics go to Craig's List World Politics forum or something. Just to set a better example than you did, I am not going to try to rebut what I consider to be your misleading claim, because this isn't the place for it.

 

[JoeBiz]

Hey, this is not a partisan politics forum. Don't slip in that junk to incite political flame wars or use this *domaining* forum push your political opinions. If you want to discuss politics go to Craig's List World Politics forum or something. Just to set a better example than you did, I am not going to try to rebut what I consider to be your misleading claim, because this isn't the place for it.

You missed the point. Just because I used a few political words doesn't mean it was a political post. Get a grip.

 

[sky]

I got the point, which was a great point until you made an absolutely unnecessary partisan jab. Why did you do that?

 

[JoeBiz]

Hey, this is not a partisan politics forum. Don't slip in that junk to incite political flame wars or
use this *domaining* forum push your political opinions. If you want to discuss politics go to Craig's List World Politics forum or something. Just to set a better example than you did, I am not going to try to rebut what I consider to be your misleading claim, because this isn't the place for it.

There's nothing political about that statement. It refers to a time period that helps make my point. Jimmy Carter was, as a matter of fact, our president at the time so his name helps to clarify the period of time, and the amount of inflation that I am referring to.

"Push my political opinions." Now that's funny.

But if anyone is turning this into a partisan discussion and fanning the flames, it's you.




---------- Post added at 07:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 PM ----------

The article that ran yesterday in Domaining ran again today. That's two baby steps.

http://www.encirca.com/domain-news/2012/volume-of-pro-domains-increase-by-220-in-two-years/


8^X

 

[sky]

There's nothing political about that statement.

Not buying that.

It refers to a time period that helps make my point. Jimmy Carter was, as a matter of fact, our president at the time so his name helps to clarify the period of time, and the amount of inflation that I am referring to.

"Push my political opinions." Now that's funny.

You're probably just used to sticking your elbows out and scarcely aware of it. But there are plenty of other ways to discuss economic tough times without non-chalantly impugning a president of either party. When you do so, others who have different perspectives about which president to tag with what phenomena are either stuck letting you get away with an unjust claim, or with getting into a back and forth political argument inappropriate for the domaining forum. You're supposed to be astute enough to avoid dropping the flame bait in the first place. It isn't rocket science.

But if anyone is turning this into a partisan discussion and fanning the flames, it's you.

Nonsense. For one thing, I didn't argue my political perspective or any specific counterpoint. All I did was said you made a a needlessly provocative political statement. And you are too smart to justify your being coy about it. For all you know, I agree with your original claim.

 

[JoeBiz]

You must work, eat and sleep politics because you have a huge chip on your shoulder. It's not a requirement that you BUY anything that I write. And there are a thousand different ways that I could have made my point ... but I'm not required to select one that suits you. And you are so immersed in your political swamp that you still have no clue what I was talking about.

Not buying that.



You're probably just used to sticking your elbows out and scarcely aware of it. But there are plenty of other ways to discuss economic tough times without non-chalantly impugning a president of either party. When you do so, others who have different perspectives about which president to tag with what phenomena are either stuck letting you get away with an unjust claim, or with getting into a back and forth political argument inappropriate for the domaining forum. You're supposed to be astute enough to avoid dropping the flame bait in the first place. It isn't rocket science.



Nonsense. For one thing, I didn't argue my political perspective or any specific counterpoint. All I did was said you made a a needlessly provocative political statement. And you are too smart to justify your being coy about it. For all you know, I agree with your original claim.

 

[sky]

You must work, eat and sleep politics because you have a huge chip on your shoulder. It's not a requirement that you BUY anything that I write. And there are a thousand different ways that I could have made my point ... but I'm not required to select one that suits you. And you are so immersed in your political swamp that you still have no clue what I was talking about.

You must live under a rock to not be aware of how politically polarizing a statement you made, particularly at this time in the US political process. I could give you a hundred reasons why it isn't the "Jimmy Carter inflation" that is soon to befall us, but should I really give you my political opinion on that here? No. For the very same reason you should know better than to say things like that here. And, what is it that you were talking about that you don't think I have a clue about?

 

[Kate]

What does all that have to do with .pro ?

 

[JoeBiz]

What does all that have to do with .pro ?

None of this has anything to do with Pro because sky thinks I'm pushing an agenda and fanning the flames (I never saw any flames). And he just won't drop it.

Patience. The analogy is about PATIENCE. You can dissect the post until the next blue moon but the message is about how patience paid off with gold and there's nothing we can do with Pros except be patient. That is my opinion.

But it appears that some people think there is a conspiracy and hidden agendas and probably even some secret codes to signal my party to release the Anthrax from Area 51. But the truth will soon be revealed ... and SKY will finally be at peace.

Sky, not everyone is so immersed in politics that they're going to fall over dead if their candidate doesn't win. I could care less. They are all idiots. Why don't you relax before your head explodes.

I anticipate a three page PM explaining the world to me when I log back in tonight. If not, you still won't be able to stop yourself from insulting me a few more times.


8-X

 

[webdomain]

You know what they say about politics and religion. You guys see the post on the domains concerning the drop of zip code pro's.

It's great to see .pro reported in whatever form. I think it's a fair post to cut back into .pro has encirca reporting 220% increases over the last few years most likely took the zip pro's into consideration.

I think in most of our minds we've never really took those 42,000 into consideration. I think .co is having more serious issues as the .pro drop is just one probably low paying bulk registration deal for 42,000 domains where .co is widespread.

I think Encirca should have just reported the growth correctly to begin with and waited for the zip codes to drop. There is no real reason to hype .pro's growth as its steady and going upward without for years without any form of advertising or real push. (although I'm sure the .pro sales have increased registration significantly)

 

[sky]

None of this has anything to do with Pro because sky thinks I'm pushing an agenda and fanning the flames (I never saw any flames). And he just won't drop it.

Patience. The analogy is about PATIENCE. You can dissect the post until the next blue moon but the message is about how patience paid off with gold and there's nothing we can do with Pros except be patient. That is my opinion.

But it appears that some people think there is a conspiracy and hidden agendas and probably even some secret codes to signal my party to release the Anthrax from Area 51. But the truth will soon be revealed ... and SKY will finally be at peace.

Sky, not everyone is so immersed in politics that they're going to fall over dead if their candidate doesn't win. I could care less. They are all idiots. Why don't you relax before your head explodes.

I anticipate a three page PM explaining the world to me when I log back in tonight. If not, you still won't be able to stop yourself from insulting me a few more times.


8-X

Quit playing games. I never PM'ed you anything, nor would I. Nor did I rate your posts or 'like' or 'dislike'. There's nothing to add to what I said. I think you're deflecting. Nothing else from me about this.

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:37 PM ----------

You know what they say about politics and religion. You guys see the post on the domains concerning the drop of zip code pro's.
I think Encirca should have just reported the growth correctly to begin with and waited for the zip codes to drop. There is no real reason to hype .pro's growth as its steady and going upward without for years without any form of advertising or real push. (although I'm sure the .pro sales have increased registration significantly)

I'm not feeling the zip-code drop for .PRO. I don't see it as being anything worth spending money on. Or at least not something worth spending a *little* money on. Why would anyone? I guess there are people who think that just having something show up in a keyword search in the SERP implies there will be a lot of traffic; and maybe the 'long-tail' view implies that buying a lot of zip .PROs would add up to real money in the form of volume profits across the gamut of them. But I have to think context is at least as important. Wouldn't .INFO be a much better pairing for a zip code than .PRO or .COM? What is a 32385.PRO? (BTW: I don't know where that zipcode is, so it isn't a plug for some city. For all I know it's undeveloped swamp land). Why would someone click on 32385.PRO before clicking on 32385.INFO? Seriously. And after the gTLD rush especially - when people see 32385.pro, 32385.song, 32385.ws, 32385.biz, 38385.corp, 32835.llc, 32385.site, 32385.free, 32385.me, 32385.io, 32385.hue, 32385.aroma, all at the same time. That would push them even harder toward selecting one based on context - like clicking the .INFO, or .GREEN, .HEALTH, .ART, .JEWELLERS, etc...

Personally, I stick to regging only .PROs that score well from multiple strategic standpoints, not the least of which, context. Some names are enhanced by adding .PRO to them and others make no sense at all. MOODS dot PRO ... what is that? Why would I click on it? Or HAPPY dot PRO? HAPPY dot COM doesn't mean a lot either, but there's at least some precedent to click on that when shopping for things that make one feel good, I guess. Whereas, something like RENOVATION dot PRO (I don't own that, but I think one of the posters on NamePros does) - that is something someone looking for a professional service or expert advice on renovation is likely to click on. Yet what appraisal engine is going to pick up on how optimal that name is? (at least once users get used to the idea that .COM is not the only quality link to click on, and I'm sure they will or already have).

 

[webdomain]

There are a ton of people that think .com will remain king for many generations to come. I realize that they have a huge amount of marketing dollars and corporations around them but the internet is also a curious place and I think you have to be prepared for the possibility that the public could quickly change their mindset and explore other options. This gtld tidal wave could get really interesting.

Hopefully other web developers who are developing on .pro domains remain focused on developing great content as our combined efforts can continue to raise the profile of the extension.

I agree that zip codes in almost any extension would be difficult to develop and are most likely worthless domains.

 

[sky]

There are a ton of people that think .com will remain king for many generations to come. I realize that they have a huge amount of marketing dollars and corporations around them but the internet is also a curious place and I think you have to be prepared for the possibility that the public could quickly change their mindset and explore other options. This gtld tidal wave could get really interesting.

Hopefully other web developers who are developing on .pro domains remain focused on developing great content as our combined efforts can continue to raise the profile of the extension.

I agree that zip codes in almost any extension would be difficult to develop and are most likely worthless domains.

Zip codes may be useless, but ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ.travel and .job are still available at $100 a pop. I'm surprised no one has scooped those right up. All the major TLDs are taken. Because, the first thing I ever think about when doing anything on the web are all the letters of the alphabet, at once, in order, and enjoy the workout typing them in to visit the website.

 

[Kate]

Patience. The analogy is about PATIENCE. You can dissect the post until the next blue moon but the message is about how patience paid off with gold and there's nothing we can do with Pros except be patient. That is my opinion.

Patience is a virtue, but stubbornness isn't.
Time does not always pay off, because extensions can actually depreciate over time. When a new extension is launched, the value peaks during the hype (release) period. But that doesn't last long, after the initial frenzy it comes more or less worthless.
Just look at the amounts paid at the landrush .co/.mobi/.asia auctions, and the current valuation for these extensions.
All new extensions have proven that the expectations and reality do not converge.

There are a ton of people that think .com will remain king for many generations to come. I realize that they have a huge amount of marketing dollars and corporations around them but the internet is also a curious place and I think you have to be prepared for the possibility that the public could quickly change their mindset and explore other options. This gtld tidal wave could get really interesting.

That definitely makes sense, 104 millions .com domains, some of which are as old as 1985 are suddenly in urgent need of replacement
.com isn't going anywhere, the only major trend is that the market share of ccTLDs will continue to grow.

I agree that zip codes in almost any extension would be difficult to develop and are most likely worthless domains.

Definitely agree. Even Neustar failed miserably at the .us zipcode project.

 

[sky]

Patience is a virtue, but stubbornness isn't.
Time does not always pay off, because extensions can actually depreciate over time. When a new extension is launched, the value peaks during the hype (release) period. But that doesn't last long, after the initial frenzy it comes more or less worthless.

Well, so far that's true, but it doesn't mean that will persist as the ability to hand reg a .COM anywhere near reasonably fitting for an arbitrary endeavor is becoming nearly impossible.
The gTLD rush may actually give people some alternatives that aren't as absurd and myopic as the forerunners.

Just look at the amounts paid at the landrush .co/.mobi/.asia auctions, and the current valuation for these extensions.
All new extensions have proven that the expectations and reality do not converge.

Yeah, but most of those extensions are tacky or have some blatant inherent liability, IMO.

.mobi -- Dot mobi what? Dot mobi dick? It just sounds dumb; and further, there's no need to get a separate dot mobi domain, because a good Internet service can determine the client type and adapt the content accordingly. So mobi sounds dumb, and it's pointless.

.web - Did someone not know they were browsing the web? It's so redundant, why even put an extension on the domain name at all? What about dot snore, dot ugh or dot howdy?

.me - Whoopie! Look at me! Look at me! Thanks dot me! If .dot me didn't over-emphasize the likelihood that the service provides individually-tailored content, I might never figure it out. Gee, um, ... I don't feel patronized by that Sesame Street style pandering at all.

.co - Sounds like an anemic .com. Only marginally better than dot biz, which sounds too cliché to take seriously. In fact, dot CO is so desperate to hook-up with a consonant, it was seen trying to pick-up dot DE in a bar.

.tv - not enough people are prepared to live up to the implicit content delivery requirements of a video-oriented domain, IMO.

.pro sounds great, but the the rules are too idiopathic to fathom in some ways. That can be fixed.

Most of them have missed the mark in some key way and missed something obvious about how they'd be perceived.
Some of the new proposed gTLDs seem less saddled with the same liabilities and may stand a better chance. Only time will tell.

That definitely makes sense, 104 millions .com domains, some of which are as old as 1985 are suddenly in urgent need of replacement
.com isn't going anywhere, the only major trend is that the market share of ccTLDs will continue to grow.

.COMs aren't going anywhere, but people can't afford them as the namespace is saturated and people hoard and squat on them and jack up the prices. I don't see .COM as losing its prestige for a long time if ever. But people are being forced to find alternatives, and so far I don't see really fitting alternatives offered, but that could change.