Oversee.net

I wanted to pass along an update I just received from Mason Cole, spokesman for Oversee.net. I am very glad to hear that the company and local health officials are investigating the matter.  They plan to email this update to all attendees tomorrow.

Here’s the update provided by the company this evening:

DomainSponsor, the organizer of the DOMAINfest Global conference, and its parent company, Oversee.net, have been made aware that several people in attendance at DOMAINfest and various evening events during the week became ill during the conference or after it concluded.

There has been significant speculation about this situation, but as of now, not many actual facts are known.   Only medical authorities are qualified to identify this illness and investigate its ultimate source, so toward the improvement and protection of everyone’s health, it’s important not to speculate or make unfounded assumptions.   Of course, should you have a concern about your health, please seek the advice of a doctor.

The health and safety of DOMAINfest attendees is our first priority, and thankfully, most attendees and staff did not become ill, and those that did appear now to be feeling better.   Even so, in order to accurately identify the health concern and prevent its further possible communication, we have consulted with Los Angeles County health authorities and at their request have provided them a comprehensive list of places we know gatherings were held (either organized by DOMAINfest or by others) during each day and night.   We also have notified our vendors and service providers of the situation, and have encouraged them to cooperate with authorities and take any steps they believe necessary.

Medical authorities have further requested, and Oversee has provided, a list of all attendees and their e-mail addresses.   You may already have received a link to a survey asking for more information.   It is important that ALL attendees complete the survey, whether you were ill or not.   This will help authorities narrow down the range of possible causes and sources.   Only health authorities will have access to this data—neither Oversee nor any other party will be able to see it, so please do your part to help.

Oversee will continue to work with health authorities, though at this stage, work is best left in their hands.   If there’s more we’re in a position to share about the situation, we will do so.

DOMAINfest was a great event—our best ever with more than 700 attendees—and it’s regrettable that this has cast a shadow over an otherwise good week.   We’re very encouraged that most everyone is in improving health (including those on our staff), and look forward to seeing many of you in Barcelona in June.

I am writing this post from somewhere above the middle of the US (maybe Omaha), and the huge storm is causing some turbulence. I guess I should consider myself lucky I was able to get out of New York City this morning, since most flights were cancelled today due to the snow storm. Despite the rough ride, I am very excited for DomainFest, which begins for me in just a few hours.

As with every domain conference, I am most excited about seeing friends and colleagues, meeting people I haven’t met, and chatting with vendors and sponsors. I’ve heard reports that more than 650 attendees are expected, so this should be a good opportunity to see the people who are most actively involved in the domain space.

Jeff Kupietsky is meeting with domain bloggers and journalists first thing tomorrow morning, and I am looking forward to hearing about what he and his executives are seeing in the domain space. The unique thing about Oversee.net is that the company is active in many channels within the domain business, and they have a good perspective on the overall market.

Listening to Go Daddy CEO, Bob Parsons is something I am excited about. Mr. Parsons never minces words and always says what is on his mind. Tony Hsieh of Zappos was interesting last year, but I think Mr. Parsons’ keynote will be more relevant to my business.

The live auction is going to be interesting to watch. I think there are very few “weak” names in the auction so it could be exciting, although I think many of the great names are overpriced for a domain investor audience. If some of these big names sell, it will bre very impressive.

Of course, the parties are always fun, and the Playboy Mansion fundraiser is always memorable. I anticipate this tradeshow will help get 2011 off to a great start.

Despite the reputation as a male dominated business, there are many highly successful women domain investors and executives in the domain industry.  During the DomainFest conference in Santa Monica next week, there is going to be a special event for women only: the  Women in Domaining Party.

This year, Oversee is inviting women in our industry to share ideas, meet new contacts and have a chance to network with leading women executives. This year’s party will be held on Thursday, February 3rd from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Malibu Cabana near the Pool at the Fairmont Miramar  Hotel.

No RSVP is necessary to attend. For more information about this event, please contact Oversee’s Lisa Box (lbox@oversee.net) with any questions.

I know, I know. You read on my blog that I was going skiing at Breckenridge in lieu of attending DomainFest.  Shortly after my article was posted, you may have read on Frager’s Factor that I wasn’t going to DomainFest, where I think the article seemed to imply it was because I had issues with Oversee.

Surprisingly (because I didn’t think anyone would actually believe what he wrote), a couple of people emailed me asking me if I had problems with Oversee. I don’t. In fact, most of my domain names are registered at Moniker and will continue to be registered there.

After speaking with a close friend and colleague, I’ve decided that I need to go to DomainFest. I’m going to fly cross country 4x in the next few weeks. If you’ll be at DomainFest, I will see you there.