debate What is a brandable domain?

[JayT]

There was a huge debate in chat room. Everyone participating thought I was wrong

-My definition of a brandable: any made up word or non-definite string of words.

-NOT a brandable: 'any generic (dictionary)word, or combination of words that have a rather exacting meaning / have one obvious 'best use'.

My Real examples from chat:
NON BRANDABLE:
Jade.com
Popcorn.com
GoldNews.net
Muffins.org
Apple.com
Monkey.com

All these words can be brandable. Obviously apple isn't expected to be a computer company, but it is. According to everyone else in chat it was a brandable domain all along! They said Jade could be a hotel, or airliner, and as such, it is a brandable domain too. They said GoldNews was a brandable too (and gave crazy reasoning)! My argument was that in reality, anything can be brandable. I told them I could brand blueberrymuffin.com into a baby clothing store (they disagreed) So popcorn.com is brandable but blueberrymuffin.com isn't? I do not think we should be calling the above domains brandables.

It is easier to see when a domain IS a brandable...

They are casting this wide net. I asked why even use the term 'brandable' if it's going to encompass all these domains? Furthermore, if they hated a domain (example: tyvix.com) they said it was NOT a brandable! I could not believe it! They have no definition! they are just going off emotions! Looks like that if they hate a domain they don't want to associate it with their beloved 'brandables'...okay so reality check. Yes, any name can be branded to anything. Do that mean we, as domainers, consider that a brandable domain? Again, why even use the term if we apply it to all of these domains? Why don't we just stop calling them domains and start calling them brandables? (one guy even suggesting just by adding .com or w/e to the end, you are instantly making a brandable, LOL!)

my real examples:
BRANDABLE:
Tyvix.com
Purpleknife.com
Scratchmonkey.com

These word/string are not generic. They have no certain meaning at all. The names can be used for almost anything. These are the kind of domains we should be calling 'brandable'

I would appreciate anyone's input here. This thread might be a little selfish, just to prove to myself that I am not way off base here. I am confused...everyone else was arguing with me...and this seems so simple to me. I am also writing this to warn you because I think it's important to see sentiment!

I highly recommend stop buying 'brandables' This is way over saturated, and ludicrous now. This argument opened my eyes more than ever that this is a big brandable bubble now, ready to pop, just like chips. I honestly think everyone is feeling threatened and must add these good generic domains into their definition of 'brandable' to protect their investment. This is exactly what happens in bubble, investors become irrational. Do not be self-centered people, LOOK around!

 

[JayT]

From the OP:
"My argument was that in reality, anything can be brandable. I told them I could brand blueberrymuffin.com into a baby clothing store (they disagreed)"
"Yes, any name can be branded to anything. Do that mean we, as domainers, consider that a brandable domain? Again, why even use the term if we apply it to all of these domains?"

YOU are applying it to all domains.

No, I am not.

JAYT SAID: "My argument was that in reality, anything can be brandable. I told them I could brand blueberrymuffin.com into a baby clothing store (they disagreed)"
"Yes, any name can be branded to anything...

WAS A LEAD UP TO:
Do that mean we, as domainers, consider that a brandable domain? Again, why even use the term if we apply it to all of these domains?"

Read it and comprehended it within context. I do not write like a robot... I apoligize for writing somewhat rhetorically/sarcastically...now I will explain it in simpler terms.

REWORKED STRAIGHT-FORWARD VERSION: I can't consider domains like blueberrymuffin.com as brandable because it is very generic, it is exacting, and it has an obvious 'best use'. This should be defined as and EMD domain instead. (please don't make me explain why it's an EMD). However, if someone wanted to go out on a limb, this could be branded into a baby clothing store (you guys called this stupid and unlikely, I agree...I WAS MOCKING by saying it COULD be a brandable, sorry). If we are to consider domains like this brandable, what isn't brandable? Again, revert to my definitions "generic, exacting/best use"...yes, this domain (blueberrymuffin.com) falls into NON-Brandable.

I am just waiting for you to define a brandable, please...don't pick at my other shortcommings. stick to facts. Define it. If you cannot define it, as @todaygold said it's impossible because it is opinion, I ask: why then, isn't EVERY domain brandable? It doesn't work when everyone has their own interpretation. 'brandable' is useless when you throw it around with out a definition. I have made my definitions, I have talked sarcasicly, mockingly, ect. I don't mean to confuse anyone. I am simply asking for a definition of a word. Do not all words have a defintion, or is brandable a magical word?

Do you really expect me to see a post that title reads: "BRANDABLE DOMAINS: tiger.com, puma.com" Doesn't this sound redic to you?

Jacolibo: "Here's my new face wash for acne: I call it... Melanoma."
LOL, you are good at twisting stuff around. No, that doesn't make sense...FURTHERMORE, Melanoma is a single word, dictionary, no-brandable under my MAIN POINT. Why are you being so ignorant? And before You go any further...let me say: Any word, or combo of words (brandable or not) COULD be 'TWISTED' to mean something unexpected. IT IS brandable in this sense. SHould we call them all brandable, NO! No, because this COULD make EVERY domain brandable with a little imagination...the word is moot in this case. It is just common sense.

 

[bludex]

I would argue: when does a domain derive most of it's value by being brandable, then it's proper to name it a brandable.
In my opionion there are basically three classes of domains:
Domains that derive their value foremost by being:
A) combinatorially scarce in their extension (aka tld) - classically the short domains
B) of significant keyword value (stats like searches and cpc) or opportunity value - e.g. high traffic keywords or trending topics
C) brandable - a scaffold that is empty waiting to be filled by meaning

 

[JayT]

C) brandable - a scaffold that is empty waiting to be filled by meaning

Thank you so far...the whole rest of this thread is people trying to invalidate my definition without giving one of their own. I agree with you, I just think "any made up word or non-definite string of words" is more technical and exacting than your "C)". Your definition doesn't conflict with mine though, just inadequate, I think... I am really looking for someone to agree with me, because so far I have about 7 people that are calling me stupid (more or less) for my definitions.

I am actually trying to help everyone by showing them my point of view, and explaining why their point of view is dangerous. LOL sounds like I shouldn't even care, but I do.

 

[JayT]

As I read back over the thread, I see these posts that are littered with things that I agree with, mixed in with things I don't, then spun around to make it sound like I said something, when YOU are saying it. Yes you are mixing the truth with the mix-up, in order to make me sound dumb. Reality is, you are putting words in my mouth. You are chasing your own tails arguing with me. Take this for example : @todaygold ,you said: "You really are thick headed. What part of, it's based on EMOTION and can't be DEFINED, don't you understand? And no, not every geo domain is brandable...for example, NorthWilliamsvilleCountyTennessee isn't really a great brandable name."

"ANd no..." (*You're Implying I stated something and you are about to debunk it): "...NorthWilliamsvilleCountyTennessee isn't really a great brandable name."

Really Sherlock? When did I say something like this is? Contrary. My description of NON-BRANDABLE: combination of words that have a rather exacting meaning / have one obvious 'best use'. "NorthWIlliamsvilleCountyTennessee" is this, it has an exacting meaning! I know it's not a brandable. Are you comprehending? Now read what I say is brandable and you will see this domain is exactly opposite of THAT definition (ironic? no).

The title of this thread is: What is a brandable domain?
Does anyone blame me for rejecting "it's based on EMOTION and can't be DEFINED"?


Every word has a definition. Sometimes words can have an adjusted meaning when used in some context, or in this case, a specific industry. I cannot accept that 'brandable' is a special magic word with no definition. Truth is, You don't know. You have gave NO definition yourself, yet argue with mine (and with great futility).

For the umpteenth time, the traditional word 'brandable', we can apply to EVERY domain, because imagination is limitless. That's because of the nature of domains! We have shifted the 'space' in which this word can function, into an industry that embraces the word...it is the lifeblood of it...domains + brandable are interchangeable if used with the common definition. This cannot be. If it is every domain, brandable, why are people using it to tag their domains? They are the silly then.

So far I am fighting off trolls that can't even answer the TOPIC within 10 replies. Instead they attack my thesis with no substance, just emotional assumptions. WHEN SOMEONE tells you 1+1=2, you don't say they are wrong by giving examples of other equations. you must first define 1 and 2. Define 'brandable' in a way that is fitting for domainers. Simple. I don't want examples like "beer.com is not brandable, tiger.com is".

 

[wormfood]

Jacoliobo, sometime things mean something else IN SOME KIND OF CONTEXT. In the context of domaining, I do not think tiger.com is a brandable. It is a GENERIC single word domain.

Yeah, totally makes sense. In the context of domain investing, nobody is really trying to maximize profits, so the best thing to do with tiger.com is not to sell it to a business that wants to build a brand with it, but to treat it like the non-brandable domain it is and sell it to a photographer who loves tigers.

I can't consider domains like blueberrymuffin.com as brandable because it is very generic, it is exacting, and it has an obvious 'best use'.

Okay.
I want you to answer this one. What is the 'obvious best use' (or uses) for these domains:
tiger.com
apple.com
monkey.com

 

[JayT]

Yeah, totally makes sense. In the context of domain investing, nobody is really trying to maximize profits, so the best thing to do with tiger.com is not to sell it to a business that wants to build a brand with it, but to treat it like the non-brandable domain it is and sell it to a photographer who loves tigers.

Okay.
I want you to answer this one. What is the 'obvious best use' (or uses) for these domains:
tiger.com
apple.com
monkey.com

Here you go cherry picking again, trying to bend the truth. My Definition: any generic (dictionary)word, OR OR OR OR combination of words that have a rather exacting meaning / have one obvious 'best use'

Obviously these are dictionary words. So I don't have to give a best use, they fall under another qualifier. try again.

AND for TIGER.COM not being best used for actual tigers. HOW come NOT? You are assuming AGAIN.

 

[wormfood]

Alright, I can try at a definition.

--------------------------------------

There are several types:

Made-up words of different types:

1) Root word with a suffix or prefix

2) Completely made up, only "word-like" and pronounceable (there may be a hint of a real word, but it is probably a short word and not intended)

3) Two or more words mixed together: Pictionary, Nabisco (national biscuit company), Nicorette

4) Any more?


Phrases that are not also EMDs:

1) (Keyword or EMD phrase) + (international, solutions, etc): RecruitingSolutions

2) (Non EMD phrase) + (international, solutions, etc): RapidRecruitingInternational

3) Non EMD phrases: RapidRecruiting. Lots of different things that can be done here.


Phrases that are also EMDs, call to action, other.. there are probably many more I can't think of:

1) FullMoon, RisingTide, hm.. my brain is fried

2) Phrase is a concept with characteristics which the business or product is also supposed to have

RocketBooster, a service that boosts your business in some way

3) Well-known idioms and call to action: OnTheBall, BeYourself


Keywords, places, etc.:

1) Some Animals (more recognizable ones with short names): Stingray, Mamba

2) Some Places: Saturn

3) Some adjectives: Sharp, Speedy, Clever, and on and on

4) Many more types of words.. Sometimes you have to come to your own conclusions though, right?

You might not approve of some of those, but that's kind of the point. It's so subjective.. but you want me to define it perfectly for you.



The words and phrases used to create the Non-EMD brandables mentioned above should sometimes not fall into this category except for the first subcategory (Maria's Wedding Gowns) and maybe others bleh:
These cannot stand on their own as brandables though..


Unbrandable EMDs:


Words and phrases that only make sense when used in their own niche:

Antiperspirant

HealthInsurance

LungDisease

CollegeDegree

WeddingGowns

and many more.


What are currently considered derogatory words or phrases:

Probably don't need to list any


Very long/specific animal names

City, Country, Continent names, unless the city is just a regular word

Some adjectives


Lots of others

--------------------------------------


It messed up all my tabs/spacing, so I had to put extra line breaks.


See how you would have to define everything if you wanted a detailed response? How are you going to easily outline EVERY category of appealing word or phrase?
Usually, we just use common sense, some research, and emotion, yeah, to know what is a good brand name. For some reason, you can't figure it out and insist on your definitions for no real reason (something about it being dangerous not to).

Clearly, there are some things that would not be appealing as brand names (to your target audience), some that simply cannot work as brandables, and some that are really nice or at least decent.

 

[LucidDomains]

Don't overthink it, turn down the OCD, go outside, get some fresh air, go on a date with your partner, get away from the computer and all electronic devices.

At the end of the day, as long as you make money does it truly matter what you call it?

In a way, this reminds me of the riddle/joke:

How many months of the year have 28 days?
Is the answer just 1 (February), or is all 12?


A lot of exact-match domains are brandable, like Amazon.com. But yeah, I would say when you say "brandable", people will think of examples like in the first post:

Purpleknife.com
Scratchmonkey.com
Tyvix.com


I would say all exact-match 1 or 2 word domains are at least somewhat brandable... but if you say "brandable", people will probably just think of domains that are *ONLY* brandable (not ones that are also exact-match).

It's kind of an issue of semantics, I would say.

This.

EDIT:

I would go a little bit further and add that every single domain on the planet from generics, to IDNs to emoticons domains to anything has a brandability factor. Lets say between 1-100. So soedfjowiwer.com is brandable (albeit a 1 on the scale) and Amazon.com is also brandable (~100 on the scale).

However instead of looking at whether something is brandable, rather ask yourself, is this domain exact match or not? So soedfjowiwer.com is not EMD while Amazon.com is.

 

[Internet.Domains]

Any word/words that can be built into a brand, is a 'brandable'....

 

[Joe N]

Hey all,

I read a great definition of "brandable" from @Doron Vermaat in his latest post on DNgeek:

"The criteria for inclusion in the list (i.e. "brandable") are the same as previous years.

• No numeric domains
• Dotcom only
• No 2L & 3L domains (as they are a breed on their own)
• No one-word dictionary domains (in any language). This means the sale of Hora.com is not included for example as it’s the Spanish word for Hour.
• Unless a word has an alternative spelling such as No 18 on the list, Humann.com or No 61, Typsy.com
• No 4-letter acronyms unless they are pronounceable and used as a brand name instead of an acronym (many examples of those on this list!)
• Two keyword domains can qualify. No 54, BrightEnergy.com, for example, is a brandable domain name while CleanEnergy.com would not have made this list.
• Variation on words are allowed, such as No 715, Productly.com (none of these in the top 100 this year)"

This definition really resonated well with me. As much as any name can be turned into a brand, I think that in order for a domain to be strictly labeled as "brandable", it needs to be excluded from all other domain categories.

So yes, "Apple" can become a brand, but no it is not a "brandable" domain name because it already has a clear, defined meaning.

 

[JayT]

There are several types:

Made-up words of different types:

1) Root word with a suffix or prefix

2) Completely made up, only "word-like" and pronounceable (there may be a hint of a real word, but it is probably a short word and not intended)

3) Two or more words mixed together: Pictionary, Nabisco (national biscuit company), Nicorette

So you are just meaning 'imporper prefix-suffix' like "gladful"? Completely made up words and two words put together so that the outcome is made up and without a very defining meaning are brandable?

Exquisite! My definition is: "any word or combo of words that is made up"
You just said the same exact thing just in many more words - these are brandable domains (Terrible for a domainer...success is rare in the schme of things. They could seem 'amazing' because they were MADE amazing, it's a perception only, too many possibilities for good odds.)

Phrases that are not also EMDs:

1) (Keyword or EMD phrase) + (international, solutions, etc): RecruitingSolutions

2) (Non EMD phrase) + (international, solutions, etc): RapidRecruitingInternational

3) Non EMD phrases: RapidRecruiting. Lots of different things that can be done here.

I have been fighting off your specifics all this time, and here we are still...no definition, just examples for me to debunk...here goes...These are not brandables. It is going to take some mind work to agree, but read everything I say and try and take in the big picture. These are too exacting. These are actually GOOD domains ('brandables' almost always suck [yes, the majority are reg'ing sucking domains big time! *shock*]), as you should very well see. They are good because they have a clear meaning even when combined...it is a general/generic description of something specific. This cannot logically be applied to anything other than 'recruiting' plus the other word compliments/enhances the subject. This is common sense MEANINGFUL 2 word domain...obvious 'best use', my friend. How can this be branded for anything OTHER than recruiting? So let me forshadow here...RIGHT BACK atcha': common sense in effect.
[/Quote]

Phrases that are also EMDs, call to action, other.. there are probably many more I can't think of:

1) FullMoon, RisingTide, hm.. my brain is fried

2) Phrase is a concept with characteristics which the business or product is also supposed to have

RocketBooster, a service that boosts your business in some way

3) Well-known idioms and call to action: OnTheBall, BeYourself

These are harder to debunk. Think to what I am saying over and over: every domain CAN be a brandable, where do you draw the line? Teese boarder that line. Why? They are already existing terms. They are in essence, generic. They are just not widely used, and COULD make a good brand. But again, anything COULD make a good brand. As usual, my definition makes sense of it: rather exacting meaning. These have already established and understood exacting meaning, so you would TWIST that meaning to create a brandable. They are literately generic terms in general...you twisting it to you needs! Good domains though, as most generics are!

Keywords, places, etc.:

1) Some Animals (more recognizable ones with short names): Stingray, Mamba

2) Some Places: Saturn

3) Some adjectives: Sharp, Speedy, Clever, and on and on

4) Many more types of words.. Sometimes you have to come to your own conclusions though, right?

I beat this horse 10x over in the thread. Let's have some fun - make a theoretical scenario: A thread on namepros auctions named: Brandable domains!!! saturn.com, stingray.com, speedy.com!" Maybe this is weird? It should be...People want to connect these together because it will psychologically increase the value of their 'brandables'. Work with me here...They want you to think that unless domains like Saturn and Stingray lose value, their 'brandables' won't too. These are single word domains, and they are in a league of their own. I specifically qualified these as 'Generic" for good reason. They have to be "TWISTED" to conform to a brand. they are brandable in that sense, but in all reality, they are real words with meaning that cannot be logically applied to just anything. GENERIC. (good domains, as usual...pattern?)[/quote]

The words and phrases used to create the Non-EMD brandables mentioned above should not fall into this category:

Unbrandable EMDs:


Words and phrases that only make sense when used in their own niche:

Antiperspirant

HealthInsurance

LungDisease

CollegeDegree

WeddingGowns

and many more.

I agree, and I never denied it. These are very exacting 2 words that cannot be applied to anything else logically. GENERIC (some more good domains...)
------------------------------------

See how you would have to define everything if you wanted a detailed response? How are you going to easily outline EVERY category of appealing word or phrase?

It's not that hard. You are fighting yourself trying to prove me wrong. You are the one trying define every category. If you cannot understand what I am saying, we are on different pages. I think by now we have said all that we can.

Usually, we just use common sense, some research, and emotion, yeah, to know what is a good brand name. For some reason, you can't figure it out and insist on your definitions for no real reason (something about it being dangerous not to).

You can agree with me what IS brandable, you are just not agreeing what IS NOT...your net is cast too wide. Beauty is surprisingly subjective, but it's very hard for us to accept it...insecurity. I am creating a certainty to something that is otherwise subjective. Is not everyone beautiful, at least in someones eyes? I am human, and unfortunately, some people are ugly. I can call these ugly ones my generics, while to you, they are special brandables. In a perfect would they would all be one or the other, but we differentiate everything. Unless we define beauty we will argue eternally.

 

[JayT]

Hey all,

I read a great definition of "brandable" from @Doron Vermaat in his latest post on DNgeek:

"The criteria for inclusion in the list (i.e. "brandable") are the same as previous years.

• No numeric domains
• Dotcom only
• No 2L & 3L domains (as they are a breed on their own)
• No one-word dictionary domains (in any language). This means the sale of Hora.com is not included for example as it’s the Spanish word for Hour.
• Unless a word has an alternative spelling such as No 18 on the list, Humann.com or No 61, Typsy.com
• No 4-letter acronyms unless they are pronounceable and used as a brand name instead of an acronym (many examples of those on this list!)
• Two keyword domains can qualify. No 54, BrightEnergy.com, for example, is a brandable domain name while CleanEnergy.com would not have made this list.
• Variation on words are allowed, such as No 715, Productly.com (none of these in the top 100 this year)"

This definition really resonated well with me. As much as any name can be turned into a brand, I think that in order for a domain to be strictly labeled as "brandable", it needs to be excluded from all other domain categories.

So yes, "Apple" can become a brand, but no it is not a "brandable" domain name because it already has a clear, defined meaning.

FINALLY! someone agrees. I wish he will come here and read what I have wrote and reinforce the idea that he and I are on the same page...albeit described quite difference. He would love to read this thread as I am trilled to see his mirror interpretation. We have only very minor differences like the .com only thing (i own zznq.buzz and think it's brandable, and i can come up with many examples)

 

[urlurl]

I didn't read most of the posts, way tooooo wordy. My definition of a brand is:

A brand is what a service, product or company name is turned into once it becomes known and commercially available to the public.

What we sell are brandable domain names. They are nothing more than letters before an extension until someone turns it into a brand.

 

[fatter]

I agree with an earlier post if you put up a poll on a list of brandable domains? you would get results all over the place as to which ones are brandable. Then people would comment must have been newbies voting.

Joe T

 

[JayT]

@urlurl, shame you won't read the whole thing...the forum is for you to enjoy so treat yourself to some entertainment and read Dont just throw you opinion down and run away oblivious to others! How is that fun?!...only 2 pages.

Just the very word, brandable, it is a special kind of word. It's like matter. There must be antimatter. There must be 'generic', non brandable domains too. The caveat is to "define a brandable domain" My peeve here is everyone is casting a wide net trying to claim MANY (almost all) kinds of domains are 'brandable'. You are saying similar. My point is that people are trying to use it way too loosely, calling true generics brandables too. Is lightbulb.com a brandable domain? It could be but I have explained extensively why it is too generic to be called this. It is dangerous because domainers are believing a risky / bubble idea. The ones that believe their BS might see a profile full of domain like lighbulb.com, goldchart.org, alligator.com, quickhire.com and think that their profile is similar, but just on a smaller budget. WRONG, their profile is nothing like these 1 words, or 2 meaningful two words.

So I said brandables are bad for domainers lol...maybe I need to fix this saying. I think a very special kind of person can put 2 word 'brandable type' words together and get it right often enough. These domains are not selling as often as 2 generic words though...not even nearly as much. Few people can put abstract 2 words together and succeed. If you are not totally (and i mean this) confident you are doing it right, then you are doing it wrong. I have some weird 100% brandables too. Almost everyone has a false hope that it can work for them, and their entire profile are made of brandable and nothing remotely generic...it is bad situation. Trying to help you all, to show you what is generic, and make you consider that maybe you need to be reg'ing generic instead.

@fatter haha, yes. I have thought of this. It would make no sense, the poll, to anyone... I am trying to come to agreement so we can understand together, and agree what is, and what isnt...for the most part.

 

[trelgor]

Brandabilty IMO is the answer to the question "Could this name manifest a brand"? The answer could be very different depending on who you ask.

There are other types of domains that hold value for other reasons, but it's always, as language is, a question of interpretation. It's never exclusively one thing or the other. That is for mathematics or logics. Some names/words have a natural applicability to many things or concepts. Others function more like labels and are more specific.

Language is a moving, pulsating thing thankfully, subject to variation in meaning and usage.

 

[eurorealtor]

There was a huge debate in chat room.

Brandable = Domain you can build a brand on... isn't that obvious?

 

[frank-germany]

is apple a brandable ?
yes
if you don't use it for fruits


is
qcwjj.com brandable?
yes
but not for english and german language
and therefore not for international use

is
pkws.com brandable?
I bet it is !
just bought it
( german for automobiles )
- just bought it -

 

[Joe N]

It seems to me that there are actually three different things being discussed here:

1. How do we define the word "brandable"?
2. How do we define "a domain name that can be branded"?
3. How do we define a "brandable domain name"?

The OP seems keen to focus on #3. It's actually a pretty cool exercise. I mean, we hear this word all the time, but clearly a lot of people have different ideas about what encompasses a brandable domain. The thing that simplifies it for me is this question:

"If I see an auction advertising a brandable domain, what will I expect to see?"

I know I won't see the following:

• A one-word name (this would be advertised as a one-word name)
• An EMD (for example: RockingChairs) - Sure you could build a brand around it, but for our purposes the EMD definition supersedes that fact.
• A 4L or 5L name that I can't pronounce.

 

[fatter]

Brandable = Domain you can build a brand on... isn't that obvious?

But couldn't you do that with most words in our vocabulary.