The Rick Schwartz Domain Name and Traffic Blog: RicksBlog.com – Home of The Domain King®

Afternoon Folks!!

Since Friday afternoon I have been sicker than a dog. So I am late answering emails and if there is something I actually have to 'Think' about......I just can't right now. Hope to be back in the coming days. This is the first time in over 10 years that I have had a fever, cold and been this messed up. Over and out.

Rick Schwartz

Morning Folks!!

The fat lady sang and is still singing. Saws.com sold on Friday for $60,000. Making it the single largest sale of the WHOLESALE DOMAINERS AUCTION and well on the way to closing OVER 50% of all lots in the auction. You can see the history of this domain here. Wednesday we will begin round 3

Morning Folks!!

It ain't over until it is over and the fat lady is still singing. Several more domains have sold in our 2nd Bite Program that ended yesterday. Saws.com went for $60,000 and AnsweringMachines.com went for $1400. Congratulations to the buyers and the sellers.

There are still several other negotiations going on and a few more may be closed today. There are now 49 lots closed out of 103 total....so far! 3 Lots were 'Guaranteed Placement'

On Monday or before we will list the next round of the 2nd Bite Program that is sure to add a few more sales and then we will repeat again on Wednesday with the domains that had bids and were close to selling.

If you are a seller and DON'T want to participate, please email me so I won't include your domain name.

And for those that forget quickly....this is what I stated in August:

'My job is to sell 100% of all the domains that are in the auction. 100%. Aim for the sky. That is what I am aiming for. We all know anything over 50% is really a good outcome, but I am still aiming for 100% and I am pretty confident, given what has already been submitted, that this is doable. Now of course I can only control the “Guaranteed Placements” to some degree. But even those must have some chance of actually selling.'

Have a GREAT Day!

Rick Schwartz

Afternoon Folks!!

It's always interesting to see editorials about books that a book reviewer never even read. So I really like the Domain Gang post from yesterday. He says things I can't.

So everyone has an opinion on the sidelines and that is their right. I value the ones from the attendees the most. TRAFFIC is about keeping the NOISE out and the BUSINESS in and I think 100% of ATTENDEES now realize why we do that and appreciate it. Everyone at TRAFFIC has a positive outlook and viewpoint on things and that is the common bond. Once you leave the confines of the TRAFFIC environment, you realize why we do it, why people come back and just how special our shows are.

Our seminars were some of the best attended seminars in all the years we have done TRAFFIC. Why? As Mike Berkens put it, 'People are looking for answers' and answers were exactly what they got. Whether it was what they see or don't see in gTLD's or Adam Dickers extraordinary seminar that gave attendees DOZENS of new ideas and new ways to make money and do real business and BUILD real businesses. I am sure in the days ahead you will hear from multiple people about their own experiences.

Declan Dunn was incredible too. He explained the FLAW in how domainers operate. We focus on a few pennies for the first sale but it is the repeat sales that have the real value and domainers don't get squat for that. We need to change how and why we do business.

I can't even tell you how many people came over to me feeling bad for those domainers that won't or can't step up to the plate because they look at it as an 'Expense' and not an 'Opportunity' or investment in themselves. It's just sad!

Just remember that 80% of folks give up in life when they don't achieve what they want when they want. Our attendees, past and present, don't give up until they either perfect what they are looking to achieve or realize it won't work and go back to refine and rethink.

Now on to the auction. Obviously we did not achieve our desired result and of course the grave dances can't wait to come out. But the grave is one we all share whether you understand that or not. So jump in.

I can only choose domains that folks want to sell and look at it through the eyes of a domainer. Fanclub.com could not get past $37,500. Is that because the domain is not worth more than that? Or is because domainers just don't have the funds or maybe they are content with their portfolios? GoldBullion.com only had a $20,000 bid.

So what domain genius wants to tell me that FanClub.com should be priced at $37,500? It's a great domain name deserving of a much higher bid than $37,500 but domainers are not buying at that level right now and that was the highest bid receiveded for that domain name. That's a real barometer whether we like it or not. Whether we agree with ot or not. That is the most a domainer will ay at this moment in time.

The market is a snapshot of things and the picture it took was not very good. While many attendees are doing well, the average domainer is not.

One again, the reason there is no online bidding is because the hotel connection is not dependable. We have NEVER been to a hotel with a dependable connection. I can't fix that. I have to deal with it or I could just imagine what folks would be saying.

So phone bidding is the way we handle it and it works. It ran flawlessly and professional and props to Ray and Kim.

The online bidding platforms themselves work well. That has not been the issue. But no matter how good the platform is, if the connection from the hotel goes up and down, and it does, no platform will or can work. When you are in a controlled location that problem is not there. However at hotels, this IS the issue. Connectivity!

As it turned out, I did not know or approve the audio feed. I heard it sucked. That illustrates my point. I can guarantee there will not be video or audio for future auctions at TRAFFIC until it is perfect and even then I doubt it is worth the effort.

You win some, you lose some. I take full responsibility and if I had to do it over again there would not be much that would be in my power to change. The market is the market and the domain market is soft. Given the same 10,000 or more domains submitted, I would choose the same ones. Let me be BLUNT. The quality of domains that so many domainers have has NO VALUE and is a liability.

Example: There is a thing called a 'Court Order'. I own CourtOrder.com. Does not have a great value but it does have meaning. Now the guy that owns OrderCourt.com thinks I would have an interest in that name. That is what I deal with. Sorry friend, that domain has NO VALUE. It means nothing. If it was 'OrderInTheCourt.com it might have some limited value. But ordercourt.com means nothing. So I love folks like my new friend Roger who sits there and says to himself something like...'My domain is better than that but Rick did not pick it.'

To that I would say, your domain is likely not as good OR your pricing makes it unattractive. And that would be why I would pick one domain over another. I could care less who owns it. I owe no favors and am free to pick what I thought might have interest to some.

It is interesting to me to see who bought what. Seasoned veterans bought most of the domains that sold. There was plenty of gold and they were able to see through it all to pick up a number of bargains. Why?? Why do they buy while others diss?

Let's look who bought. Mike Berkens, Sean Sullivan, Morgan Linton, Darren Cleveland, Gregg, McNair, Russ Goodwin, Bill Sweetman, Brain Benko, Ammar Kubba, Rick Schwartz and other well known domainers. I think I read that Adam Strong won an auction on the phone. I am awaiting the final phone bid winners so will know soon.

Combined these domainers bought 75% of all lots that sold in the auction. What did these professional veterans see that so many less seasoned domainers did not? That is the question some should be asking instead of the nonsense they spew. Think about that. Why did so many miss the winners? Why focus on what you did not like? I discount what I don't like and focus on the domains I see that have the POTENTIAL for a big payday. I buy potential.

Now this is not over. In a few years we will hear that somebody sold a domain for $100k that they bought at the 2012 TRAFFIC for $500. Why do I say this, because we have a history that proves it.

I had all types of multi-million dollar domains offered to me. And exactly WHO in our audience at this point in time was going to pony up 7 figures? What's the upside for a domainer without a strong business plan? There is none. I can tell you confidentially that one of those above would not even entertain buying a $100k domain name today and for multiple reasons.

To have a $2MM domain in the auction to 'Feel Good' or to watch somebody bid $1.5MM to showboat is a WASTE of everyone's time. Unless an owner can bring multiple bidders that are end users, ain't gonna happen. I also don't do Pre-Arranged sales to save face when an auction falls apart.

So what domain genius wants to tell me that FanClub.com should be priced at $37,500? It's a great domain name deserving of a much higher bid but domainers are not buying at that level right now. That is as high as they were willing to bid and the seller would be INSANE to sell at that level. GoldBullion.com could not get a $20,000 bid. It's not because the domain is not worth more. It is because domainers have to buy low hanging fruit right now and that is the right way to do business during times like this.

The market is a snapshot of things and the picture it took was not very good. While many attendees are doing well, the average domainer is not. Their focus now is trying to make profitable businesses out of what they already own.

I liked that we were able to keep the action moving and the boredom somewhere else. That alone to me was a great achievement and it was recognized in this blog post by Andrew Allerman who then got accused of basically sucking up to us which I think Andrew answered clearly enough in the comment section.

There are still a few deals that are alive and may be closed where the bidder on the floor was very close to the reserve and now those sellers are willing to take the lower bid. So anyone with second thoughts, can still have a shot at some of these domains.

As folks begin to arrive home you will begin to hear things first hand and not through any filter or agenda. I am sorry so many are stuck on the sidelines in the cheap seats watching the future pass them by. The only way they can feel important or feel like they are participating is to take cheap shots. Amusing and sad at the same time.

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. attendees have a very special bond. Whether you go to each show or just once in a while, there is a bond that is very strong and getting stronger. It's a labor of love on our part and it is returned in more ways than I can count. Attendees really do appreciate all of our efforts and they let us know it. Howard and Barbara, Ray and Kim, Danny, Alina and myself. They know and we know and really, that's all that counts.

Rick Schwartz

Morning Folks!!

It's Game Day here in Fort Lauderdale as hundreds of domainers converge for the 23rd running of T.R.A.F.F.I.C. It's a true labor of love. It is great to see so many energetic and forward thinking minds together. There is a lot going on and the informal 'Cabana Networking' is priceless. This year we have been blessed with 2 days of sunshine and today and tomorrow look great as well.

7:20AM Sunrise just minutes ago

At noon today registration opens on the 4th floor. Please make sure you have your badges at all times. Security is tighter this year and those badges are your passport to all functions. No tickee, no laundry. So if you don't want to be inconvenienced, make sure you have it and are wearing it.

I want to thank the City of Las Vegas for sending all types of goodies for your show bag to signify our return to Las Vegas after a 3 year absence. Tickets will be available starting this Tuesday for our late May 2013 show May 29th - June 1st with cabana marketing and a return of the TRAFFIC Road Rally on Tuesday the 28th. We have 50 tickets at $995 and they will be offered to 2012 attendees first.

The auction is going to tell us many things tomorrow at 3PM. But most of all it is going to be exciting and entertaining and everyone is going to have a good time. Except those that did not bid or did not bid high enough and then kick themselves for not getting in on the action. But regardless of the final numbers, our audience is going to witness one hell of an event. We have 52 phone bidders out of 103 lots. Stunning compared to last year's numbers.

That's all I can say. Now it will be for attendees to share the good, bad and ugly. We hope what we put together and how we go about it makes it conducive to make big deals and change your lives. We know the market is depressed but domainers here are anything but depressed. Give them lemons and they will figure out how to turn it into steak.

Have a GREAT Day!

Rick Schwartz

Morning Folks!!

Phone bid registrations are pouring in as the deadline closes in. SameAsCash.com leads in registrations as of last night. I think the final number will show 60% of the lots will have phone bidders. Of those most have multiple bidders registered. Last year 15% were phone bidders.

We will sort through the final numbers tonight and I think folks are going to be pleasantly surprised with the outcome on Monday afternoon. This auction will be a real test of the market no matter the outcome. Those that know me know that the market is smarter than I will ever be and I will always take the verdict of the market over all the chatter and noise. It's a barometer of where we are and that barometer has value in the future as well.

That's if for now. If I get any surprising numbers, I will advise!

Rick Schwartz

Morning Folks!!

Good Morning from the Ritz Carlton! The first wave of attendees will come in town today and let the party of BUSINESS begin!

Phone bidding closes at NOON today. We now have at least one phone bidder for over 50% of each and every lot. Of those, more than 50% have multiple bidders. So we are about to see what a real auction looks like when you have meaningful domains up for grabs with no reserve or domainer level pricing and a TRUE CONTEST errupts.

The phone bidding page will be REMOVED from the site later today. So this is your LAST CALL. After today the only type bids we will take on any specific domain from a non-attendee is a 'Pre-Bid' with the highest amount you would be willing to pay for any particular lot. We will bid on your behalf until bidding exceeds your Pre-Bid. If the bid we place for you in your behalf is the highest bid without going over your ceiling, you win. If bidding goes over your highest price, you are out.

If you want more control, then register today. If not, that is the best we can do without disrupting things and getting prepared for Monday. The phone banks are going to be WILD!! So you have been advised!

I will be wall to wall today and from this point on. I may or may not be able to answer emails. So please understand.

The weather today is great. We may have a few showers during the show but there will not be a rain out and you will be able to enjoy your stay.

Again, please travel safely!

Rick Schwartz

Morning Folks!!

Are you easily swayed? Do you have a weak fortitude? Do you take the position of whoever you spoke to last? Another words are you a 'Wet Noodle' and just go where ever the breeze goes? Then again are you so set in your positions that no new evidence can sway you? No new information have value? No new information change how you might look at something?

I am sway-able. But it's not an easy job to have me change a position on a given subject. I can only do it methodically. One grain at a time and putting it on the scale and then re-weighing the new evidence to see if the scales have been tipped in a different direction. It's a procedure I do with everything in life. I clear off the irrelevant and give weight to each and every piece of true evidence.

Emotion is never involved at this point and seldom is. Facts are not emotional. Weight is not emotional. Evidence is not emotional. Information is not emotional. So when you limit or even exclude emotion, things look differently. Then you can always add the tint of emotion as you see fit afterwards. Separately. Like salt and pepper. Emotion might just be a sprinkling.

I think separating the emotion may be the single hardest thing to do. You can't always do it. It is always there. But you have to know when to factor in emotion and when to leave that emotion out of the equation.

The day you stop taking in new information and processing it.....you are DEAD! You are STUCK! You can only just rot away. The day you stop learning is the day you die whether you breathe or not.

And today, life moves so fast that if folks would slow down they would see incredible opportunity. Folks miss opportunity because they pass the exits of opportunity because they are in the left lane flying at 150MPH. Slow it down and you can have more options. Slow down and it is like magnifying things to see clearer.

When I listen to an idea I am completely open minded. But as the story goes on I get to shoot down assumptions the other party might be making. Usually because the number is based on a wish not a fact. Nothing proven. If it can withstand my assault, THEN there is something there. The key of a good idea is to try and shoot it down. If it can withstand the attack, then it has a viable chance of working.

So for me to be swayed, I have to have evidence that holds up to the scrutiny. So every new grain of information I get on any subject has to be put on the balance scale and re-calculated. Based on that, I am sway-able.

So we get to .whatever which for many is the single biggest question or even obstacle facing them. I have a panel at TRAFFIC. 'Do you See What I See?' See, I want to see .whatever through their eyes and then put it on my scale. What will they say that would sway me? Wishful thinking and grand ideas won't do much to move the needle.

Explaining what will change and WHY the consumer will adapt is more important. Explaining is there investment to be made or is this simply a clever way for registrars to make money? (That may not be a bad thing. That's Capitalism. Lead by a corupt ICANN of course)

The .mobi 'Regsitrar' might be successful but those that invested in the extension have not had the same success. Same with .Co. Great for the registrar, but a disaster for the end user like Overstock and investors like us. Point is even in a success, it is a fractional success. Not everyone up and down the chain is a winner. When that happens, I see a flaw. In the case of .whatever it comes in the form of a leak to the .com and the ONLY question or variable is HOW BIG IS THE LEAK? And when the answer ignores that part of the equation, it becomes hard to be swayed.

Domainers have reacted to .whatever like mind control. They just buy into these things without the evidence. They are easily swayed and if you are easily swayed then you become fearful. Snap out of it!!! It's not a threat!! Its an expansion. Manhattan won't collapse because Wichita is expanding. DUH!!

This is a simple equation from an investor and end user point of view. How can anyone in their right mind believe .com can or will suffer? Short term? Possibly. Long term? Are you kidding me? The leak will determine the value and ALL willl leak. WE know that, they do not. But they will LEARN! And when they learn, your dotcom counterpart of .whatever, goes through the roof. They are trying to scare you so you will drop your pants and it is working!!

They can build the mall right behind our small corner. But as long as we own that small corner, we can open almost any business and have a degree of success, while the mall loses business every day you are there. Whether it be in not enough parking. Not enough access. A competing entity. Whatever the case. Having owned that corner property before the mall was even thought of puts you in a pretty strong position regardless of huffing and puffing. So while they negotiate for a million this way or that way, they lose $10 million in time wasted and customers lost and other intangibles that exist but can't be measured. Like 'Good Will'.

Ya think Saveme.com.br has more or less goodwill then this time last year? What was the cost? What was the damage? What was the result of a self inflicted wound? Can anyone even measure it? Does ignoring it make it go away or help?

I think most surprising of all is after the loss he does not come to the table and get real. He is now infamous and I feel great to have been part of that. To help sway people and how they see things. People know right from wrong and THAT is the #1 way to sway! But he also missed an opportunity to rehabilitate himself and his reputation. He could be a Poster Boy with a message and he did not recognize it. Maybe even get what he wants, but he has to be willing to deal like a businessman not as a bully ad worse. He bullied for a few months and I get to repay that for a lifetime.

Saveme.com case will save more than just me. It will save you too. I am certain that companies that had been targeting me had to rethink what they were about to do. Is it worth risking their entire business and livelihood on a Reverse Domain Name Hijacking attempt? The 'Scarlett Letter' that WE have to enforce until there is a criminal penalty.

Ask Howard. I was waiting for a case like this since the day we met. One case that would be so clear and so overwhelmingly off the charts that I would be able to do my schtick backed up by Howard and sway opinion with right from wrong. That leads to the emotion you want in this decision. You can separate the emotion. The passion. And knowing this was the key we would all need to move forward through the jungle with less attackers because would-be attackers have so much at risk.

So we can sway in an effective manner and the number of Reverse Domain Hijacking decisions are becoming more frequent. That marks the beginning of the end for this practice. We have swayed opinion by proving something to be very wrong and then being able to have others feel how it would be like if it happened to them.

So I ramble a bit. But it is all connected. It is all from the same thread. It is all what we are dealing with more than any other thing besides paying the bills.

Sales is all about swaying. A customer comes in with their defenses at 100% strength and it is the job of the salesmen to melt that wall away. To gain their confidence by being knowledgeable and truthful. By being able to sway them from the point they came in the door to the sale as they left the door. That is the big sway. Each of us has to be a salesman but you sell from knowledge and comfort and no tricks at all. You sway. Sway is the dance that makes the world go round.

Last nights debate was all about 'Sway'. Thing of all the things you do or involved in where 'Swaying' is the key.

Have a GREAT Day!

Rick Schwartz

Evening Folks!!

Bill Hartzer just published a piece about Reverse Domain Name Hijacking that I was fortunate enough to have contributed to. I hope what he writes will get the attention of folks. It's clear and concise and we all have a duty to make sure it gets circulated.

If we don't take the time to do this, who will?

Rick Schwartz