TRAFFIC’s New Quality Based Premium Domain Auctions Announced

Morning Folks!!

In 2004/2005 T.R.A.F.F.I.C. held the first “Live” domain auctions and in 2007 we had the largest Live Domain Auction ever and that record still stands! Some of those auctions were momentous, far more were just boring. As much as I tried to influence the direction, we were not happy at the way that things were going. So we opened up the auction process to everyone. We quickly found out that that was overkill. But now we have found a formula for a happy medium and a formula that will INSURE all future T.R.A.F.F.I.C. auctions will be exciting and important.

For the FIRST TIME in 2011, Howard and I will be controlling the auction from start to finish. In doing so, we will provide the venue and the auctioneer All auction houses may submit domains for the live auction. But WE will select the domains that make it into the auction.


Submissions will be limited to quality domains only.



Submissions must all have domainer reserves and not end user reserves.

If a domain has an end user reserve then the auction house must bring 3 end users to the auction.


Auctions will be much faster moving and will start with a reasonable opening bid. No fake bids of any type whatsoever will be allowed. The live auction will be reserved for premium domain names only.

We invite all of the auction companies to speak with us at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. to ensure that you become part of our team. Give the domains the visibility they deserve and let the marketplace show their real value. If a domain does not sell, the bids will help to establish “Current Market Value.” We will do this by changing how reserves are listed and it will eliminate “Show boat bidding”.

If you are not familiar with the meaning of “Show boating” it is when, for example, you have a $5M reserve on a domain name and you bid $4M to show everyone that you can make a $4M bid, while all the time knowing that you are protected because the owner won’t take anything less than $5M. AKA, Faker!

So, this is just some of the things that T.R.A.F.F.I.C. will be doing differently in 2011. We will be opening the auctions in the right manner and cleaning up the nonsense that we never before had any control over.


Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz


T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Announces Scholarship!!

Morning Folks!!


Everything Howard and I do is to lift domains, domainers and the domain industry to a higher more accepted level. That has been our mission. In doing that we help up and help out as many folks as we can.


We don't always trumpet what we do. Times are rough. We know. Money is tight and credit card lines have shrunk. That in mind we know there are some that would like to come to T.R.A.F.F.I.C., but of course, the expense was a burden at a time when cash flow might have been less than you like. We have personally and quietly worked out flexible and compassionate payment strategies. That has allowed those that do want to come to get the motivation and education they need from TRAFFIC without the stress on their family and its budget. The price is still the same, but we try and help where we can. We bet on you!


And speaking of betting on you, Howard and I are happy to announce a “TRAFFIC Scholarship Program”. What this will do is give away 1 ticket to a deserving newcomer at all future TRAFFIC Shows. Your essay is your entry. Just send us in 250 words or less why you deserve to get this scholarship. Beginning with our March 2011 'ICANN RETREAT' in San Francisco. We will announce the entry date in November.


More than 100 folks have already publicly stated they are coming and started the networking on our facebook page. Never before have we done so much to make sure every minute in Miami will pay you dividends for a lifetime.


Laugh if you will, we aim for the stars and and at a minimum hit eagles. Then fools laugh at our 'Failure'. The ONLY thing we sell is the furtherance of your business and the Domain Name Industry. PERIOD! We create the conditions for you to do great things and then GREAT things happen at TRAFFIC.


Have a GREAT Day!

Rick Schwartz