From posts on Namepros and private conversations in the first two weeks I see some calling for domaining’s demise.
I finally got hold of a long time friend in the business who told me he just got into NFT’s and could care less about domain names. I was surprised as they have had decent success, not Berkens or Schilling type, but it’s been a profitable 15 years.
On Namepros MKT Sales Leads wrote:
Hence why virtually everyone has given up on domains and fled to Crypto and NFTs seemingly rolling in cash.
For various reasons (e.g. domaining is boring/too hard/slow to make money/no more good names left cos the oldies got in first/registry prices etc) Domains are seemingly like the party nobody wants to be at now.
So with all that down, I hearby declare domaining dead.
Long live NFTs and Crypto.
The overall thread topic was one poster stating most should give up. Marek from Brands International wrote:
In my opinion, most people here should probably quit domaining right now. By most I mean 95% – 98% people.
You guys must be massively loosing money. Why I think so:
You can read the full post at the link above, it was based on submissions from a domains wanted thread.
We all know those are tough. Most are trying to sell their bad names or names that mean nothing to them in those threads.
Personally I think domaining is fine, you probably just need to be more diversified and look into crypto and NFTs. If you can understand them and tolerate the risk, put together a plan and figure out if you want to delve in. It’s a personal decision that can be complicated due to bankroll, jurisdiction and other considerations.
2021 domain sales numbers show domaining is doing fine, but I do think every year becomes harder for the new investor. Unless they have a decent budget, it’s hard to hand register your way to consistent success and it’s those that probably see crypto or NFTs as easier.
I have certain twitter accounts that just follow crypto accounts and my take in 2021 was “Hell everyone is making a fortune!” Of course everyone is not, but from the tweet noise it was just a constant barrage of those kicking ass letting the world know they are on an incredible ride.
The key to investing is diversification, all eggs in one basket can look good for awhile but if you have enough assets, it’s probably wise to diversify.
It’s been on the decline for years crypto is the future unstoppable domains handshake these are all things that the average old-timer doesn’t want to educate themselves on but that’s where it’s at. being the owner of the 5000th most valuable meta domain name really isn’t that exciting cuz more than likely you have a better chance of winning at least four numbers on the Powerball or super lotto then you do on selling the name.
Crypto is the future, but not at the expense of domains. Plenty of crypto companies and other startups will need a name. NFTs are for those with little patience for waiting months / years to see a return on their domain investment.
What will become bigger is the fractional model where part investment in high quality domains will be more accessible to those who don’t have tens of thousands to invest in buying a premium name outright.
I dunno at the same time I see the NFT market slowing down & becoming a bit oversaturated right now. Although there is a lot of potential in “phygitals” or “phygital NFTs” (physical + digital, real world art/fashion/collectibles with digital properties), & with XR (AR/VR).
Fortnite has recently gone to Nvidia Now = iOS apps streamed in the browser.
I only see the value for top domains increasing, & maybe even dramatically.
The Crux -> “but I do think every year becomes harder for the new investor.”
Domaining is hard and boring for new comers, but hand regs can sell. I’ve sold a few $12 hand regs for $5K since 2016. But this is part time domaining at best.
Until you earn over $50K+ profit from domaining; are you even seriously in the game?
Almost every URL in the top 100 public was originally registered sometime before 2010, most in the 1990s. Rarely, you’ll find a URL on the list like LiveWire*com #21 ($632,500) registered 2018.
How many could have hand regged LiveWire*com, that will read this blog? Ultimately, 90% of those that enter the domain game will never earn more than $1K in profits from domain speculation.
But a handful will continue to be in the right place at the right time to register, buy or bid on an asset that could change their year or life.
Domaining is dead for 90% of entrants into the game, but not for me.
The domaining is dead mantra is as old as domaining itself.
But look at the bigger picture: the sales volume considering just the reported sales. Evidently domain names are still selling because the demand is always there. As long as domain names remain the foundation of an online business that won’t change any time soon.
Is domaining on the decline ? Depends for whom. Competition is tough, and understandably those who are not making good money out of it will be prompt to announce the death of domaining.
At least domain names can be put to practical use. Can’t say the same about cryptocurrency.
Most of it is speculation, but very little bona fide usage in the real world. It’s convenient to buy weed on the darknet but I can’t pay my groceries or suppliers in crypto.
So it’s more speculation than an investment and as such it carries more risk.
Crypto may have longevity, I don’t believe NFT’s do but if you can make bank and know when to get out, go for it. Personally I just can’t get into NFT’s. They seem like a bad joke. I wish I had listened to myself in 2012 and bought a bunch of bitcoin but i didn’t so why get into it now with a bunch of third tier shady coins? or fractions of bitcoin? Domaining may not be all that ‘exciting’ but I am just happy to have a job where I make six figures while only working a few hours a day, most of the time. I suppose I could just take the money I spend on domaining and trade/buy/whatever crypto but I feel eventually the rug will get pulled out and many will be left holding the bag. When if this happens, who knows, Maybe it never will.
The first domain I ever registered in January 2000 was the name of my startup. I used the domain to build a site that offered services that led to a contract w/the USA military after 9/11.
A Fortune 50 company went to a fancy branding company to choose a shiny new name for a spin-off. I later learned the branding company provided 25 possible names, which were cut down to 10, then 5, and after survey groups, and even 5 “mock” well-produced TV ads, they had chosen their top choice.
& the IP broker firm contacted me about the only domain I had ever owned and made a low xxxxx offer. Not for sale, not even if your client offers 7 figures, I responded,and they did…after a series of higher offers, my declines and radio silence for weeks.
So I made my highest domain sale on the only domain I owned, and I knew zilch about domaining, etc
Luck? Absolutely.
And I’ve prob sold about 500-750 domains since that initial sale, and I’ve never had a domain sale eclipse the sale in 2002, despite having acumulated a decent portfolio, attended domaining events, and worked w/the most esteemed brokers in the industry.
But where have the domainers gone over the last few years. Well known persons have ceased posting.
Exodus from industry, retirement on a tropical paradise, or bad times, misfortunes, financial or health woes, deaths?
Maybe it’s better not to know. So many names, persons,no longer posting…and the world keeps spinning…
maybe many keep their heads down, and they’re making FU money while others post
Usually those not making money will pronounce the end of domaining. Whenever a hot trend like Crypto / NFTs come along the there will be those that jump ship to go to the next play pen and convince others to join in.
If the Metaverse/VR/AR/XR take off in the next few years, someone else will once again say it’s the end of domaining.
The domain aftermarket says otherwise.
Godaddy and Dropcatch domain auctions are still overvalued and will continue to be.