Godaddy Signature Auctions released the list for their auction taking place between November 6-8. There are a few very good names on the list (Bob.com, Grapes.com, Media.mobi, and ForeignTravel.com are my favorites), but I was surprised by the lack of showcase names that other live auction events featured. Although the majority of them didn’t sell (WallStreet.com, Hell.com, Taxes.com… etc), they certainly brought attention to the auction.
I agree with what Frank has to say about the auction in regards to the limited number of .com names and two-word phrases in the list. I don’t know if Godaddy’s auction has reserve prices, but if they do, it might be difficult to reach on a name like Bob.com, unless company CEO Bob Parsons decides to bid. I do like the fact that the auction has a limited number of names, as it seems there is quite a bit of auction fatigue mid-way through the 250+ domain name auctions.
Aside from Godaddy’s press release, I have not seen much publicity or hype surrounding the auction. I am knee-deep in domain activities (from the blogs to the forums and boards), and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be generating a tremendous amount of excitement in the domain community.
As far as I am concerned, the only way to have a successful domain auction is if there are lots of bidders. Most domain auction bidders are domain investors, and they need to be excited about it to show up and bid. Godaddy should email their customers, place banner advertisements on the forums and generally get the word out. There is potential for this auction, but now is the time to get people excited about it.
Signature Auction Names
1x.com
Apartments.mobi
BargainBuy.com
BeautyCounter.com
BestPhone.com
BestService.com
Bob.com
Campaign2008.com
CollegeFootball.mobi
Dentists.mobi
DietAids.com
Earl.com
Even.com
ForeignTravel.com
Grapes.com
HDTVShop.com
Homes.mobi
HowToInvest.com
Maillist.com
Media.mobi
MobileSecurity.com
Moving.mobi
RoadWork.com
Smoked.com
SportUtility.com
TopBeaches.com
TravelUpdate.com
VirtualServer.com
WhyHybrid.com
YB.com