Answers to the five questions about DomainFest.
I’m flying back from DomainFest right now, so it’s time to answer the five questions about DomainFest that I published on Monday. I’d also like to respond to Domain Shane’s post “10 Great Things That Will Happen By Me Not Going to DomainFest”.
First, here are the five questions about DomainFest and the answers:
1. How many people will show up?
Officially there were over 400 in attendance. It didn’t always seem like that many, but it could have something to do with the venue being spread out. I also suspect some people who just returned from the ICANN meeting in Singapore spent a lot of time sleeping in their rooms.
2. Will the return to Hollywood be well received?
This is a tough question to answer because there are pluses and minuses to both locations. I love the Fairmont in Santa Monica and being right on the beach.
The Lowes in Hollywood is fine but you have to exit the hotel to get to the conference area. On the plus side, all of the evening events were very close to the hotel. No hour long bus rides in rush hour. For example, the Stone Temple Pilots performance was in a nightclub in the same center as the hotel.
3. How will people react to the early results for new TLDs?
I’d say that new TLD backers were generally happy with the numbers. At least that’s what they said. I think those coming in with reasonable expectations of supply and demand are enthusiastic about early results while others aren’t.
4. How will the multi-track format work?
Choice is good, especially when you have tracks that appeal to different segments of the domain industry. The downside is that many of the sessions were poorly attended.
5. Will monetization make a comeback?
There was definitely more talk about this thanks to the show’s promoters. There were also lots of monetization companies exhibiting. But the big discussion was still new TLDs.
OK, now I want to respond to Shane Cultra’s post about not being at DomainFest this week. Before reading my response you should read his entire post, as my comments refer to each of his ten items. Plus a bonus.
1. I’m glad you weren’t here because I got Morgan and Braden all to myself.
2. It was nice being able to go wild and not have Shane around to judge me.
3. Thank God I can profit from the lists Shane put up this week.
4. Glad I didn’t feel obligated to schedule a meeting with Shane this week.
5. I hate lying to Shane about my latest big sales, so I’m glad I didn’t have to fib all week around him.
6. It’s always awkward when Shane’s at the conference and makes eye contact with me. I have to pretend I didn’t notice him.
7. I hate paying for dinner. Of course, if Shane keeps betting against the Astros he won’t have any money left to pay for dinner anyway.
8. It’s nice to not have to worry about brushing your teeth at DomainFest for once.
9. I can’t wait to get back, apply what I’ve learned, and kick Shane’s butt for a few months.
10. It’s nice to be able to write about Shane without having to see him in person.
Bonus: Without Shane here I was basically the only blogger. Except Adam. So I guess that means I was the only blogger.
shanecultra says
Just when I’ve forgotten about the worst bets I’ve ever made you dig the Astros back up. It took me 3 months of domain sales to get back to even. Thanks for the laughs 🙂
todd says
“Officially there were over 400 in attendance. It didn’t always seem like that many, but it could have something to do with the venue being spread out.”
..or let’s spread the attendance so know one can tell that there are only 100 people here.
Adam Dicker says
Great Article!
David Wieland says
Sorry I missed you guys!
Domainer Extraordinaire says
I never heard of Shane Cultra but he sounds like someone I’d like to have a nice dinner and drinks with if he picks up the tab, of course. 🙂
Jagan says
It is funny to read item # 8 both by you and Shane.