Ron Jackson of DNJournal.com has provided me a number of links to mainstream media stories that profile the exciting industry of domain name investing. The stories are from the likes of the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, BusinessWeek, CNN Money, Bizjournals, Boston.com, etc.

The links (view them below) were added to the current discussion page at Wikipedia on “Domaining“. A small handful of mean-spirited posters have repeatedly submitted senseless comments and personal opinion there in their aim to get the domaining page deleted.

The domaining stories Ron provided links to are irrefutably superior & fact-based, and consequently obliterate the baseless accusations regurgitated by the troublemakers. For me, the real story here is … “What is Wikipedia?”

Is it a gossip column? Is it a flame-ridden chatroom frequented by angry teens? I have lost respect for Wikipedia having seen hard work both heavily filtered and repeatedly challenged by people who hide behind a faceless screen name and who launch one baseless accusation after another. To Wikipedia’s credit, they include an interesting comment from journalist, John Seigenthaler on the Wikipedia page about “Wikipedia“.

On the Wikipedia page, Seigenthaler is quoted as having described Wikipedia as  …

a flawed and irresponsible research tool.

One has to wonder.

Domain Industry Stories

1. http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article195880.html
2. http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/10/domains-flip-aftermarket-tech-ebiz-cz_cf_0811domains.html
3. http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_26/b4040059.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_technology
4. http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/29/technology/nextbigforeign.biz2/
5. http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB113200310765396752-FYV6dsilRS0N1fsiVu_bLf_5nI8_20061116.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top
6. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122844055171581735.html
7. http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/07/30/online_domain_name_game_yields_real_profits_for_virtual_brokers/
8. http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2006/02/13/story2.html
9. http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/Domain-Name-Business-Booming-in-Post-Dot-Com-Era-129003WWAIE9.xhtml?wlc=1249613955&wlc=1249642500

Internet Domains domainers, domaining, wikipedia

Patrick Ruddell is a domainer who publishes a popular domain industry blog at ChefPatrick.com. Patrick has distinguished himself quickly in the online arena being one of the first domainers to include informative videos on his blog site which focuses on domain industry news and events.

While Patrick is self-admittedly rather new to domaining, he has shown incredible focus, creativity, and entrepreneurship in his approach to becoming a part of the greater domain name community. He recently wrote about registering his first .US domain name, SuicideHelp.US.

Using this quality generic domain, Patrick has built a valuable resource for those suffering from depression. The site contains emergency phone numbers and useful links for individuals who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, and are in search of help. The site can also be beneficial to loved ones, friends, and family in search of options, and can function as an excellent launch point for people needing quick answers & resources.

The SuicideHelp.US website, which is very easy to navigate, is built on WordPress (a favorite of domainers and domain developers across the internet). Personally, I very much like the domain name. It is clear, descriptive, and logical. Easy to remember and easy to communicate verbally. The .US web address is also very fitting for the subject matter. In my view, Patrick has taken a great domain name and paired it with content that exactly matches the domain name focus, thus creating an end result that offers true value.

In closing, it is rewarding to see the domaining community have so many bright, business-oriented people within its ranks. As is so often the case, domainers demonstrate professionalism, produce legitimate accomplishments, and are educating the world that domainers are not cybersquatters.

Domainers are everyday investors, developers, and entrepreneurs who simply enjoy working in the realm of domain names.

Internet Domains .us, domainers

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!

Internet Domains corporate, domainers, entrepreneurs