TRAFFIC is over. Here’s how it stacked up.
Last Friday I asked five questions that would be answered at this week’s TRAFFIC conference. We now have answers:
1. How will the auction perform?
I’m going to give some credit to Rick on this one. The overall sales numbers were low, but there were a couple things I liked. First, Rick allowed people to pay to get their domains into the auction. I’m not sure if this is the right model but I do think there’s room for some sort of economic incentive control for submitting domains into auctions.
Second, before the auction Rick stood up in front of everyone and said he’d take full responsibility if the auction flopped. No blame on outside forces.
The auction room was packed. You couldn’t tell that on the internet broadcast because everyone sat in the back.
I was a little surprised by the low .xxx numbers given some of the prices paid for domains thus far.
At the end of the day there’s a reality to face here: some of the guys that would have combined to spend millions of dollars at auctions a few years ago aren’t buying any more.
2. Will the venue top last year’s?
This one is hard to judge because mother nature didn’t cooperate. I know that the promoters spent a lot of time decking out the cabanas overlooking the ocean…only to have it washed away. On the plus side it kept everyone around the hotel rather than spreading across town.
3. Will the event have class?
Yes. I’m not aware of any altercations and .xxx kept its event compelling yet inviting to all.
4. Any big news?
Yes. There was Afternic connecting with GoDaddy and Sedo signing deals with Moniker and Dotster.
5. What will attendance be?
I forgot to ask, but I’d say my original prediction of 250-300 was close. More tickets may have been sold but you always have a handful of people who don’t make it.
karl says
it was disaster!!!
Bryan G says
Looks like total auction results were once again reliant on a new extension.
Jonathan says
The sate of the economy is reflected by TL domainers not spending and taking F.S advice about keeping liquid for renewals.
Mansour says
TRAFFIC never cared about the quality of the domains in auction only making the upfront money it is a win win for TRAFFIC and a loss and waste of time to the attendees.
Meyer says
Andrew,
Excellent analysis.
Rick knew it was going to be difficult
to push the rock up the hill.
But, he tried anyway.
It didn’t get to the top.
Only partially up the hill.
That is better than the rock still
sitting at the bottom of the hill untouched.
Rick (and Howard) risked money, effort and time.
At least it was somewhat rewarding.
Job well done.
ESV says
Worst TRAFFIC I’ve ever attended – won’t be going again.
Domainer Extraordinaire says
Andrew you should create a story titled “Traffic Show a Huge Flop” if you want to compete with Michael Berkins. 🙂