.mobi Traffic Mobi Dev Stipulations Are On

[Work In Progress]

Seems as if mtld is standing by their call to develop those mobi's.
Here's an out-take from their newest release:

But what about content ...?

Given the availability of free mobile content tools like ready.mobi and site.mobi that dotMobi has built over the past year -- using proceeds from previous auctions -- dotMobi has added content requirements for the winners of the 12 October 2007 live and silent T.R.A.F.F.I.C. East auctions.

This is to ensure that these names will have sites with relevant, mobile-ready content behind them and will join the millions of pages of .mobi content that are already live.

These buyer requirements include:

* Domain to be registered by auction winner within 10 days of receiving authorization code
* Site to initially consist of a .mobi-compliant parking page
* Best efforts to create, launch and operate a live web site with relevant content within six months. (For example, acupuncture.mobi should not display a site for car sales.)
* Fully compliant site with an http://ready.mobi score of at least 4/5

We've posted additional information about the auctions on the corporate web site.

Entire Blog
I really think this simple stipulation will not keep bidders away. If you're going to invest big $$ in a name, what's a few hundred more to have a simple site developed that meets these guidelines? :imho:

 

[meegwell]

It's nice to see all the .mobis mixed in:


Live auction attendees will be allowed to place bids on such valuable
domain names including:
-- AIDS.net
-- Audit.net
-- AutoFinancing.com
-- Buy.mobi
-- Cash.mobi
-- CertifiedPublicAccountants.com
-- ChocolateCandy.com
-- Cholesterol.net
-- Communication.com
-- Computer.com
-- Copiers.com
-- Cotton.com
-- Cowboys.com
-- CrosswordPuzzles.com
-- CysticFibrosis.org
-- Debit.com
-- Dentists.net
-- DiscountAirFares.net
-- Elections.com
-- Email.mobi
-- Estate.com
-- EuropeanVacations.com
-- Free.mobi
-- FreeMovies.net
-- GasPrices.com
-- HomeBudget.com
-- House.net
-- Invest.net
-- LibertyBell.com
-- Manufacture.com
-- MartialArts.com
-- MortgageRates.org
-- Newlyweds.com
-- News.mobi
-- PDA.mobi
-- PensionPlan.com
-- Pesos.com
-- Photographers.com
-- Podcast.mobi
-- Podiatrists.com
-- PrimeInterestRate.com
-- Promotion.com
-- SchoolTeacher.com
-- ScienceFiction.com
-- Scores.mobi
-- Software.info
-- SpaghettiSauce.com
-- SportingGoods.com
-- StockQuotes.com
-- Taxes.com
-- Technology.org
-- WallStreet.com

 

[Jeff]

"Best efforts to create, launch and operate a live web site with relevant content within six months" ... for former RFP News.mobi?!?! :o

Is this a typo? News.mobi?!!
Thanks for the assist.
-Jeff

 

[Work In Progress]

"Best efforts to create, launch and operate a live web site with relevant content within six months" ... for former RFP News.mobi?!?! :o

Is this a typo? News.mobi?!!
Thanks for the assist.
-Jeff

So Jeff, do you have a problem with the news.mobi new owner creating and operating a relevant content live web site with-in six months? What's confusing about this?

 

[PVFARKAS]

Its just a new direction to go. Those with big applications for RFP's in the past will now have to battle it out at auction. Some may get caught sleeping and miss it altogether. Either way, its in the hands of someone, it reflects a parking page and it will be developed with related content in six months.

The old system was too tight, this one seems right as it ensures that it is developed and lets the free market decide its price. The urge to maximize the investment will also inherently lead many of these siteholders to look nice as well. If some don't end up in enduser's hands, maybe someday they will. Its a positive step forward!

 

[mykel241]

I recently spoke to Vance to check about oversight to ensure development of the names and he told me that all bidders will have to adhere to the END USER agreement.

Here is part of the END USER agreement which all successful must adhere to:

If You are the winning bidder for an Authorization Code, You agree to use that code to
Register the Domain Name and launch a dotMobi-compliant website (the “Website”) using
the Domain Name with the URL address [www.<Domain Name>.mobi] within ten (10) days
of the transfer of the Authorization Code by mTLD. The Website may initially consist of a
dotMobi-compliant parking page; provided, however, that You agree to:

• Use Your best efforts to create, launch, and operate a live website related to and primarily
containing content relevant to the commonly held and widely shared understanding of the
meaning of the Domain Name to replace the parking page within six (6) months of the
transfer of the Authorization Code by mTLD.

• Achieve and maintain a mobile readiness score of at least 4, as measured by the
ready.mobi test then available at http://ready.mobi/.

• Operate the Website in compliance with the dotMobi Domain Compliance Policy, when and as available at http://mtld.mobi/domain/policies/compliance.

• Comply with the dotMobi Mobile Web Developer Guide, as such Style Guide may be
modified by mTLD in accordance with published policies. You further consent to the
monitoring of any such website as described in that policy and the dotMobi Style Guide
monitoring guidelines.

• Design and operate the Website to achieve mTLD’s stated goals of: (a) optimizing the
mobile experience by providing a predictable, consistent user experience; (b) providing
the mobile community with new features and services; and (c) strengthening user loyalty
and goodwill toward the .mobi top level domain.

• In the event of sale or transfer of the Domain Name to another party. You agree to notify
mTLD and contractually require such party to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THESE COMMITMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A
MATERIAL BREACH OF THIS AUCTION AGREEMENT, WHICH MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF
YOUR WINNING BID, TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND REVOCATION OF ANY
AUTHORIZATION CODE FOR WHICH YOU ARE THE WINNING BIDDER, AS SET FORTH IN
PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE.

You can download the agreement here: http://mtld.mobi/system/files/Auction_End_User_Agreement.pdf

 

[Jeff]

Its a positive step forward!

IF it ensures development and promotion, yes, IMHO ... however, the "rules" seem pretty relaxed (what, exactly, is "best efforts" to you folks?) and right now we don't know to what extent they will even be enforced, in my view.
Can we agree NO ONE knows to what extent they will actually be enforced?

So Jeff, do you have a problem with the news.mobi new owner creating and operating a relevant content live web site with-in six months? What's confusing about this?

It's confusing because it affirms to me, at least, that mTLD has now completely abandoned the RFP's and RFP process IMHO. Do you understand how much a developed and fully promoted News.mobi in the hands of the right End user ... could have advanced the .MOBI extension and "ecosystem"?
Just my two sense.
-Jeff

 

[mykel241]

It's confusing because it affirms to me, at least, that mTLD has now completely abandoned the RFP's and RFP process IMHO. Do you understand how much a developed and fully promoted News.mobi in the hands of the right End user ... could have advanced the .MOBI extension and "ecosystem"?
Just my two sense.
-Jeff

I spoke to Vance on that subject specifically as well and they are planning on likely revisiting the RFP process in an altered format in the near future.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

Michael

 

[hawkeye]

It's confusing because it affirms to me, at least, that mTLD has now completely abandoned the RFP's and RFP process IMHO. Do you understand how much a developed and fully promoted News.mobi in the hands of the right End user ... could have advanced the .MOBI extension and "ecosystem"?
Just my two sense.
-Jeff

Jeff, just curious, but have you ever changed plans, or intentions, household rules etc, as it was obvious your original ideas/plans/intentions would no longer be the wise way to go for the best results?? Or are you like our 'stubborn (spelt-stupid) fearless leader', and just pursue a 'stay the course' action, no matter the consequences of failure, because to change something would show that 'perhaps' there was a better way than your original ideas? It sure does seem to bother you that mtld has/is making a change in their original noted intentions/plans.

 

[Jeff]

I spoke to Vance on that subject specifically as well and they are planning on likely revisiting the RFP process in an altered format in the near future.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

Thanks kindly for the update, Michael ... I hope you understand, my concern is for the developed "ecosystem" (which I believe was best served - and ensured - by the RFP's and originally promoted RFP process, IMHO). :gl:
Onward and upward ... :talk:
-Jeff

 

[meegwell]

"FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THESE COMMITMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A MATERIAL BREACH OF THIS AUCTION AGREEMENT, WHICH MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF YOUR WINNING BID, TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND REVOCATION OF ANY AUTHORIZATION CODE FOR WHICH YOU ARE THE WINNING BIDDER, AS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE. "

I don't like this and think it should be something along the lines of suspending the domain...You don't want companies thinking their investment can be taken away from them for breach of some loosely-defined rules.

 

[mykel241]

Thanks kindly for the update, Michael ... I hope you understand, my concern is for the developed "ecosystem" (which I believe was best served - and ensured - by the RFP's and originally promoted RFP process, IMHO). :gl:
Onward and upward ... :talk:
-Jeff

Jeff,

I do agree with you. I think that all premium names should be RFP as opposed to auction based. I have a feeling the majority of these winners are just going to to create a 2 minute mobisitegalore template and throw adsense or admob on them which will not help the ecosystem or the extension.

Relevant, enforced development is what is needed.

Michael

 

[Jeff]

Amen, Michael! :tu: :hearts:

 

[acc]

Since I've learned so much about the true value of domain names (everything is worth only reg fee unless developed) from a member here at NP, I would like to quote him here ... "I see a LOT of DUDS" in that list. LOTS of DUDS. And they will probably all just end up with the "usual suspects", ruining any chance of ever building the holy grail shmecosystem before time runs out.

It's nice to see all the .mobis mixed in:
Live auction attendees will be allowed to place bids on such valuable
domain names including:
-- AIDS.net
-- Audit.net
-- AutoFinancing.com
-- Buy.mobi
-- Cash.mobi
-- CertifiedPublicAccountants.com
-- ChocolateCandy.com
-- Cholesterol.net
-- Communication.com
-- Computer.com
-- Copiers.com
-- Cotton.com
-- Cowboys.com
-- CrosswordPuzzles.com
-- CysticFibrosis.org
-- Debit.com
-- Dentists.net
-- DiscountAirFares.net
-- Elections.com
-- Email.mobi
-- Estate.com
-- EuropeanVacations.com
-- Free.mobi
-- FreeMovies.net
-- GasPrices.com
-- HomeBudget.com
-- House.net
-- Invest.net
-- LibertyBell.com
-- Manufacture.com
-- MartialArts.com
-- MortgageRates.org
-- Newlyweds.com
-- News.mobi
-- PDA.mobi
-- PensionPlan.com
-- Pesos.com
-- Photographers.com
-- Podcast.mobi
-- Podiatrists.com
-- PrimeInterestRate.com
-- Promotion.com
-- SchoolTeacher.com
-- ScienceFiction.com
-- Scores.mobi
-- Software.info
-- SpaghettiSauce.com
-- SportingGoods.com
-- StockQuotes.com
-- Taxes.com
-- Technology.org
-- WallStreet.com

 

[Work In Progress]

Jeff,

I do agree with you. I think that all premium names should be RFP as opposed to auction based. I have a feeling the majority of these winners are just going to to create a 2 minute mobisitegalore template and throw adsense or admob on them which will not help the ecosystem or the extension.

Relevant, enforced development is what is needed.

Michael

I believe that mtld (and their legal counsel) have their heads in the right place when using the open ended phrase "best efforts". A company or individual that can afford to purchase a high dollar doain name such as this would have a hard time explaining why their "best efforts" consist of a mobisitegalore page :imho: Do you have better wording from your legal department? How much specification do you want? Details on the coding requirements? Dedicated servers? Has to be minimum or 100 pages with never before seen technology? We have to remember that these stipulations are for all of the names, not just one or two "mega-names". This generic "best efforts" phrase covers them all.

I don't have personal knowledge nor an "insiders" view of the goings on at mtld (nor should we expect to), but I believe that mtld has relevant enforcement in mind.

Time will tell!

It's pretty obvious the "old" RFP process was not working, for whatever reason. Doesn't really matter at this stage. As long as they keep trying to improve the allocation and get the names out and get them developed. And enforce the terms.

We constantly here cries for development yet when a development "clause" is initiated, some still can't help but complain.

Some things will never end.

 

[Jeff]

And they will probably all just end up with the "usual suspects", ruining any chance of ever building the holy grail shmecosystem before time runs out.

Sadly, that is exactly the current state of affairs .MOBI, IMHO.

"Best efforts" and two-minute templates from MSG with some Admob monetizations on them ... does ZERO to support the extension and critical "ecosystem"! :gl: :imho:
Let's just hope this all isn't limited to the Usual Suspects™ this time around ...

-Jeff

 

[Work In Progress]

Sadly, that is exactly the current state of affairs .MOBI, IMHO.

"Best efforts" and two-minute templates from MSG with some Admob monetizations on them ... does ZERO to support the extension and critical "ecosystem"! :gl: :imho:
Let's just hope this all isn't limited to the Usual Suspects™ this time around ...

-Jeff

Just a quick question....How can you back up your statement of your definition of "best efforts"?

Again, this was not put in to "save" the buyer from having to develop a decent site. It was put in so , if needed, they could enforce quality development.

 

[DomainMayhem.com]

Since I've learned so much about the true value of domain names (everything is worth only reg fee unless developed) from a member here at NP, I would like to quote him here ... "I see a LOT of DUDS" in that list. LOTS of DUDS. And they will probably all just end up with the "usual suspects", ruining any chance of ever building the holy grail shmecosystem before time runs out.

This is actually false. Development increases value, but if a good name is not developed, it doesn't mean that there isn't inherent worth there anyway.

 

[scandiman]

This is actually false. Development increases value, but if a good name is not developed, it doesn't mean that there isn't inherent worth there anyway.

He was joking, referring to the often posted and overused cookie-cutter appraisals provided by another member.

 

[PVFARKAS]

• Use Your best efforts to create, launch, and operate a live website related to and primarily
containing content relevant to the commonly held and widely shared understanding of the
meaning of the Domain Name to replace the parking page within six (6) months of the
transfer of the Authorization Code by mTLD.

• Design and operate the Website to achieve mTLD’s stated goals of: (a) optimizing the
mobile experience by providing a predictable, consistent user experience; (b) providing
the mobile community with new features and services; and (c) strengthening user loyalty
and goodwill toward the .mobi top level domain.

• In the event of sale or transfer of the Domain Name to another party. You agree to notify
mTLD and contractually require such party to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THESE COMMITMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A
MATERIAL BREACH OF THIS AUCTION AGREEMENT, WHICH MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF
YOUR WINNING BID, TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND REVOCATION OF ANY
AUTHORIZATION CODE FOR WHICH YOU ARE THE WINNING BIDDER, AS SET FORTH IN
PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE.

As an attorney, I often scrutinize words. I think they are fine and I would certainly say otherwise if I felt that way.

Buy any .com from GoDaddy and you can use that domain however you want with the time you leased, I mean registered, it for. You face certain risks, inclusing potential TM issues, violating laws with deceitful porn content, etc.

With these .mobi auction names, you face a policed name with flexible requirements. They have enough teeth to evict you, but give enough flexibility to construct the site the way you want it. Isn't the min .mobi readiness 3? now they ask for 4 pursuant to your stipulation when you win.
they also ask for it to be live. they also ask for you to use best efforts to construct a relevant, mobile useful site in six months, easy for a .mobi, but strict in an analogy to brick and mortar real estate.

there were many that did not like the RFP and where it was going. Here, think of it as normal names up for auction with some additional requirements that are clearly helpful for the mobile community and ensure some minimum standards. if any name is constructed like a dud, that won't bring down the extension. Some will be nice and get traffic, it will only benefit us all.

Why hold back News.mobi? It will eventually get in the hands of someone who will construct a nice site and market it. And if it doesn't, and just twenty of the hundred names trickle to good endusers within three years and they build sites and market it, that's good enough for me!!