Domainers … a new breed?
Maybe you prefer the term Maverick, or perhaps entrepreneur. Domainers seem to be the new global internet entrepreneurs.
I think about the many domainer profiles written over the years by Ron Jackson of DN Journal. People from all walks of life, and from all over the globe, who shared a similar dream.
Some were young, some were not so young, but all of them had a belief that separated them from the pack. Something indescribable that led them to think, maybe even unconsciously, “I can do this. I will do this.” And they did.
A good number of domainers came from humble beginnings. Were tested and strengthened by facing challenges, overcoming adverse situations, and not folding. Whatever their origins, domainers as a group have struck me as inquisitive people, somewhat intense, and reassuredly determined.
Yes, some are half crazy and need a spanking. But you can say that about 3 of 10 people I pass on the street.
Domaining as a true business has developed into quite an attractive undertaking. A certain critical power of analysis is required to succeed … despite the misconception of some folks who think you simply register a domain and resell it for 50x three months later.
I was speaking to a friend and co-worker about my domaining, and he gave me that automatic glazed look that seems the typical reaction. His wheels were turning, and he was intrigued, but it was as if he was hearing a foreign language for the first time. To my surprise, he registered a domain name the very next day (that related to a favorite pastime of his). I felt compelled to educate him on the many caveats of his name selection, but chose instead to leave him with his proud new accomplishment. People have to crawl before they walk, and walk before they run.
Corporations, of which there are many both national and global, definitely exist outside the concentric circles of the domain industry. Companies are really only beginning to understand and appreciate the importance of the internet to their business. Many are still struggling to form a cohesive strategy for taking their business online. However, it is inevitable that they will adopt a strategy. They have to. The global economy will demand it.
An evolving communication will begin in 2009 to 2010 between select domainers and corporate business development representatives. In fact, it has already begun, somewhat covertly, with some major sales already making it into the press. While still others are quiet buyouts of specific domains and/or complete portfolios. My point being, the tide is rolling in, and the word is getting out about domaining and the value of premium domains. Time is on the side of domainers. Global corporations are waking up to reality. So are the Mom-n-Pop operations, and the list goes on. Domaining is a sweet niche … if pursued intelligently. Have a nice day, global entrepreneur!
Moving forward in time, an investor forms his decisions within the context of history while also speculating on potential future developments. 
What we envisioned is coming to fruition, in that the world is embracing the internet in ways which naysayers could not imagine. I am an anti-naysayer, while also valuing pragmatism. Naysayers, as a glass half empty group, are only partially served by their cynicism and skeptical nature. Their excessive “that’ll never happen” attitude often keeps them on the sideline where speculative opportunities are missed.
