If others are like me, they probably find themselves searching for domain names based on events going on in their life. Lately, I’ve been spending quite a bit of time searching for wedding, pet, and real estate domain names. I do some keyword research via Keyword Discovery in addition to the “real world” research that I am constantly doing. I also look-up category killer names on iWhois.com.
Exploring new areas can
Domain Industry Making News
The domain industry has made the news again this week, this time with an article appearing in Investors Business Daily (found on CNN). With the domain industry maintaining its strength, mainstream news outlets are taking notice and beginning to cover the industry. These positive articles discuss how the industry is becoming more mainstream, which will continue to make venture capital companies more comfortable when investing millions of dollars.
Here are a few other recent articles that have appeared in mainstream press:
Christian Science Monitor
The Telegraph (UK)
International Herald Tribune
While much of the world’s economic systems are going through tumultuous times, the domain industry appears to be strong. The continued success and growth of the industry is leading to greater focus as it’s becoming an alternative to traditional investing vehicles. As more venture capital firms invest in the domain space, I believe we will see similar articles in the mainstream press. With the domain industry becoming less secretive, the fruits the industry bears may become even more lucrative.
Moniker Inks Another Multi Million Dollar Deal
As reported on DNN, Moniker recently closed a $4 million deal for the domain name Bored.com and all associated content to JW Media. The company paid an additional $500,000 for a portfolio of 170 undisclosed websites. With over 2 million monthly visitors, Bored.com has a strong returning visitor base, which will help the buyer earn a return on its investment.
This marks the second multi-million dollar private deal that Moniker helped close in 2008.
Top Notch Domains, LLC Acquires Salinas.com
Top Notch Domains, LLC, a New Hampshire based domain investment and development company has acquired Salinas.com for an undisclosed sum. Salinas is one of the largest cities in the state of California, with a population of about 150,000 residents. The city is located approximately eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, and it is known for its exceptional agricultural industry.
“It’s been great developing our other geographic domain name, Lowell.com, which is expected to launch by the end of February. Once the Lowell.com website has launched, the development of Salinas.com will be our next major project,” said Elliot Silver, President of Top Notch Domains, LLC. “I am looking forward to learning much more about the city and visiting my friends out there! We will have a temporary website launched in the coming days.”
KentuckyDoctor.com – Quick Sale
For Sale: KentuckyDoctor.com
Buy It Now Price: $2,000
Offered for sale in multiple places for 24 hours. First to say “sold” gets the name.
Domain Name Seized by US Government?
I read a post on DNForum this morning which mentioned that the US Government has seized the domain name WAB.com. According to a message on the WAB.com homepage, the domain name and website were surrendered to the government because of the owner’s violation of copyright laws. The former owner plead guilty “to conspiring with others to violate federal copyright laws.” As of the time of this post, the Whois information still shows the previous owner’s registration details.
It is interesting to note that I didn’t find any legal notices via Google for the guilty plea of the person mentioned on the website. Additionally, the Whois data shows the website is owned by someone in France.