That’s Entertainment: I’m Absolutely Loving All the New gTLD Rollouts

I admit it, I looked around through many of the available domains in the newest gTLDs. I read the post on DomainInvesting where they were practically giving a Gatoraide bath to Aaron for pointing out that there were still single letter domains available in many of the TLDs. It was so exciting that the “We” of DomainGang jumped aboard the train and put out a 3 part series of the available single letter names in the hot .plumbing because I’m assuming that there was no way you could combine that much awesome info into one post.  As I sat there and watched I thought to myself, “Am I missing out on something that is going to make me a lot of money?”  “Should I try and get a few of these single letter domains in gTLDs that I have absolutely no interest in?”.  And finally “If these are so good why are they still available?”

I kid about the above. The answers to these questions are personal.  There is no right or wrong answer and will actually not be answered for many years to come. But the actions of this weekend remind me of the realities of what is upon us.  There are going to be a lot of decisions for domain investors to make in the next few years.  Most of us don’t have unlimited income. There is only so much money that can be put into our domains.  There is only so much time in the day to do research. The releases this week are just a tip of the iceberg.  There will be hundreds of more new gTLDs coming out that are going to offer the same opportunities so in my opinion, there is no reason to get all giddy over plumbing, lighting, and ventures.   For most of us, the dollars that go into these new names will tie up cash that could have gone into domains that have better resale value in the near future. The new names will require patience and tying up of cash.   I know everyone is saying they are just “dabbling” and adding a few names to their portfolio.  I’m not sure if they’re buying because they actually like the names or they couldn’t stand to see others make big money in something they passed on.  Regardless,  I love the excitement going on.  It’s nice to have some new blood mixed into the industry, even if it’s merely entertainment to me at this point in time.

Another thing to get ready for, is everyone to start forming gTLD teams.  With all the names out there it is inevitable that people are going to pick their favorite endings and tout them.  There is a going to be a lot of new Metal Tiger Hidden Dragons coming out of the woodwork once they have skin in the game or they have been paid to grow some skin.   Fragerish shill for Schillings like the .tattoo and .horse posts from this weekend.  But that’s business, that’s marketing.  They key for an investor is to know the difference of a community starting to show some growing interest in a new gTLD or a just person that has a bigger voice.

I’ve said it in several other posts that I truly believe in the new endings.  Not because I feel there will be a resale market for many years to come.  But because it will offer people that want a new name availability.  Not everyone can afford, nor cares, for a dot com. But I don’t pretend to even know where to spend my money to try and get a better payback than if I put it into another dot com or even a dot info.  I bought a dot info last week and flipped it for 40 times what I paid for it in 5 days.   The new gTLDs don’t offer that ability quite yet.  I’m sure some will in some areas but again, I have a better chance of going to Domaining.com and finding no stories written by Raymond Hackney than I do of making a quick flip on the new domains.

So I’m going to continue to watch. Just like I did when I first joined our industry.  I may buy a name here and there but I want to truly understand or focus on the niche or ending that I choose before I put in any sizable amount of money.  Plumbing and equipment are just not areas I would be good at saying “these names are investments in your business that are worth paying thousands for”  “this domain will give you the authority that makes you stand out versus your competitors”.  And since I can’t convince myself of this, I am positive I can’t convince a buyer.  But there will come a time.  Until that time comes I will continue to concentrate on and put my money in the tlds that I can make money on.  I will do what a good businessman alway does. I will wait for a new gTLD to pay me enough to fall in love with them.