Definition of a Domainer

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Ceres

New Member
It's interesting to read how some people define a "domainer."

Judging by the some of the definitions I've come across, some view domainers and domain parking as the ultimate evil.

A domainer defines him- or herself as a kind of Internet investor trying to speculate on domain names, similarly to the real estate industry when buying undeveloped lots and just sleeping on it hoping to sell it further with a good profit. Domainers never intend to develop a website behind any of their domain, but only set up a parking page to grab some money, occupy the domain space, and wait before a hot buyer. (Source: stopdomainparking.org)

This is obviously not an accurate statement as not all domainers park their domains (and even if they did, as long as they are not cybersquatting or infringing on a TM, why does it upset people?). Also, many domainers turn their domains into fully functioning websites. Others produce mini-sites etc. There's more than one way a domainer can monetize a website.

An individual or organization that uses a Web site for no other purpose than to generate ad revenue. The site is comprised entirely of banner ads and other advertising. See domain parking. (source: encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/domainer)

Well according to this definition, domainers produce no content but just displays ads via domain parking. This is clearly another assumption that domainers only ever set up parked pages.

Now this definition sounds a bit more accurate:

A term used to describe someone who buys and sells domain name registrations, often generating income through domain parking and/or website development, with the main purpose of generating revenue from advertising click through. Income is also generated through sales, advertising and affiliate commissions. Domainers are sometimes referred to as publishers, domain investors and commercial registrants. (source: icannwiki.org/Domaining_Glossary)

So many times, I've read articles that discuss domainers in the same sentence as cybersquatters, infringers etc. As mentioned here, we need to work hard to separate professional domainers from cybersquatters, and clean up the image of the domain industry. Perhaps we'll then find more positive definitions of a domainer?

What's your definition of a domainer?
 
This is my point of view: domainer is a “virtual real estate owner” – we own virtual addresses, similar like owning a house or an apartment in a real life. And because we buy legally these addresses, there is no way to feel guilty about this kind of business (unless you are cyber squatting!). Everyone can become a domain owner, now a days if you own a $10 can you can become a “virtual estate owner”. Of course it is a difference if you own a house in Beverly Hills or in Brooklyn – and the same goes for the virtual world. And it is only your business how do you use your property (as long you use it for legal activities). So, who cares!!??

I AM A DOMAINER. Same like many landlords are monthly collecting their rents, I am collecting incomes from my sites. No matter where your property is - in virtual world or in a real life, it needs maintenance – and this is work. Even the best house needs maintenance. So, I do work.

Yes, I AM A DOMAINER – a virtual estate owner.
 
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This is my point of view: domainer is a ?virtual real estate owner? ? we own virtual addresses, similar like owning a house or an apartment in a real life. And because we buy legally these addresses, there is no way to feel guilty about this kind of business (unless you are cyber squatting!). Everyone can become a domain owner, now a days if you own a $10 can you can become a ?virtual estate owner?. Of course it is a difference if you own a house in Beverly Hills or in Brooklyn ? and the same goes for the virtual world. And it is only your business how do you use your property (as long you use it for legal activities). So, who cares!!??

I AM A DOMAINER. Same like many landlords are monthly collecting their rents, I am collecting incomes from my sites. No matter where your property is - in virtual world or in a real life, it needs maintenance ? and this is work. Even the best house needs maintenance. So, I do work.

Yes, I AM A DOMAINER ? a virtual estate owner.

Definition: Well put
Characteristic: Well said
 
I just read on Domain Name Wire that Wikipedia is currently redirecting its "domainer" and "domain" pages to their "cybersquatting" page. :mad:

A discourse has started (thanks to Max Menius) on the site to try to change it, and another Wikipedia user said that proof from reliable sources is required to show that domainer does not mean cybersquatter. In a common sense world, you’d turn that around and say “where’s the proof that they are the sameâ€Â. But not on Wikipedia.
*UPDATE*: The redirect to the "cybersquatting" page has stopped (source: DNJournal).
 
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Domains are not property, virtual or otherwise. If you must use the real estate analogy - each domain you own is the same as a property lease. You are required to pay an annual fee else the lease expires and the domain reverts to the registry.

There are a lot of types of domainers ( The Different Types of Domainers | mwzd.com ), none of which are understood by the general public tbh.

To explain this to the average joe I'd written this post - Domaining is not cybersquatting! | mwzd.com

I'll quote a couple of people who definitely know a lot more than I do about domaining:

Sahar Sarid - "We always hear the comparison of domains to real estate however the other comparison I heard many years ago from a fellow domainer is that domains are like collectibles. If one can collect cards or memorabilia one should be able to collect domains. Is it any wonder that many in the domain space are people with prior collectible interests? In Rick’s house, in the living room, there’s a jar full of hotel keys from his salesmanship/tradeshows days. Another highly successful domainer started first collecting sports cards, and yet another started collecting watches. Why not collect domains for their rarity/scarcity value? And if this is acceptable (as it should) then it is essentially a bona fide use of a domain and should hold against trademark owners. If the world was as it should be."

Yun Ye - "People collect Pokemon cards, and they don’t call them Pokemon squatters."
 
mwzd, I like the article you wrote about the different types of domainers.

Is it any wonder that many in the domain space are people with prior collectible interests?

Hey, my son is somewhat of a collector... I wonder if he'll grow up to be a domainer. :D
 
Interesting to know the thoughts of netstar, especially his mention that domain names are like "virtual" real estate.

As mentioned by mwzd, the expiry of lease leading to return of domain to the registry is what gives domain names a distinct attribute. That, in my opinion is the key difference.

Just to share, I am into Philately and Numismatics and own more than 3000 stamps of more than 100 countries and about 100 rare coins, 2 of them more than 100 years old and 1 which was minted during the 1st half of the 19th century!

The blessing is, I can just keep my stamps and coins in a safe place within my home (a place for everything and everything in its place) and forget it even for a decade or more (which actually happened, till I moved recently) and yet what I own will always be my own. But the same can't hold good with domain names you and I "own" - as of now. Come expiry date, it is pay your "lease fee" time, else....!!

The article on "The Different Types of Domainers" truly caught my attention. I for one 'am curious to know, mwzd, about the other 'Types'. Just like how each one of us are unique, probably, each one of us could occupy our own space in the world of domaining.

I have heard of something about some people having a "method to the madness". Similary, there is something called "Allergy to Ambiguity". Hope those into domaining won't become 'Allergic' to the 'Ambiguity' that prevails in the 'definition' of a "Domainer" ;).
 
I know this thread is old, but anyone discover any other 'type' of domain investor?

Would be real interesting to know.

@PeopleNet I think all of us do have a background in collectibles of one sort or another for sure.
 
I know this thread is old, but anyone discover any other 'type' of domain investor?

Would be real interesting to know.

@PeopleNet I think all of us do have a background in collectibles of one sort or another for sure.

As far as we know Child's interest in collectibles during childhood/adolescent age turns in domain name collectors......when they grow.

Because it gives them the satisfaction and instant money......no other collectibles can give instant money and frequent trading or exchanging opportunity...
 
My Rant on Whiners first!

Okay I have an idea that I wrote in my book 10 years ago. I thought of a domain name back then and then thought whatever I will register it later when I feel like.

Then something happened some domainer registered the domain name I was thinking of registering, how unfair! I lost my opportunity and my life's one chance at living the dream! what do I do?

If I really think like above then I am a NUTCASE! I am not updating myself enough to know WT* is going on around me and I want the world to wait till I register my name! If it's real me I will find an equivalent or better name! for my dream.

Domainers willfully violating trademark laws and benefiting from that unethical practice should rethink.

Domain parking and cordial exchange to the rightful owner when there is such a need or when approached by the rightful owner is what I would like to see happening all the time but for now it happens in my dreams! SELF POLICING looks necessary here some what....

People who whine about domaining should understand that in this age of rapid change, you should learn to accept that Domaining is a new form of business and as long as FREE TRADE and FREE WILL exist Domaining exists. Come on, you did not have a cell phone 20 years back why are you using it today? Because it is useful and in reach right? Likewise please acknowledge that Domaining is an acceptable business practice and it is new too!

My definition of domainer is:

A Domainer is an individual whose craft is Domaining. A Domainer buys sells and develops domains as needed. Domaining means trading and developing INTERNET DOMAIN NAMES for profit or pleasure.


I am thankful to the posters above for putting in their views and opinions, I liked them and am all pumped up like a body builder! I am a domainer too :)
 

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