Survey says…
The question “Which person has the most influence on the domain industry?” has been asked on the Annual Domain Name Wire Survey for the past two years, making its return again this year.
Like last year, it’s an open response question, meaning you can write in which ever person you believe fits the bill. Of course, to everyone the definition of “most influence” means something different, which is fine. For that reason, I’m not going to remind you who was selected last year.
But I will say this: through 250 survey responses this year, there are a lot of new names on the list. They aren’t the usual suspects. It will be interesting to see the final results for this question.
If you haven’t completed the survey yet, please click here to do so. It takes about five minutes, and five respondents will receive a copy of “The Domain Game” book as a thank-you.
Jonty says
My vote goes to Jonty Williams. He started late but he is making quite a name for himself.
Domainer says
My vote also goes to Jonty. He is a leader and visionary. His group is taking the Internet by storm.
domainster says
I would say it would be the end users who drive the market.
domainster says
or kevin ham 🙂
Domain Investor says
(influence or affect)
Halvarez ???
Andrew Allemann says
@ Domain Investor – the question is “influence”, but you can define that how ever you want
Josh says
I would say Ron Jackson and the guy in TX who created dnsaleprice.com, as a steady reseller there is nothing more important than sales information and updates, it drives the speculation.
I do not believe any one mans success has anything to do with what a LLLL to a generic domain is worth. If youre willing to spend some money and are in love with yourself you can become very well known and ” accomplished ” in a matter of 1-2 years and still know little about the industry. We have proof of that!
This was who is most influential right, not who spent the most to make a name for themself.
dfgdfg says
Jonty is the dude
Sahar Sarid says
My vote goes to Mike Berkens (TheDomains.com), the voice of reason in the domain industry.
Best,
Sahar
Stephen Douglas says
My top votes go to:
1) CRAIG “Craigster” ROWE of Whypark.com for singlehandedly changing the direction of domain monetization towards content sites that increase domain values. There’s no question about the education and growth in this direction, led by Craig’s WhyPark.com. There is no content building service, more simple and productive, than Whypark. The fact that Parked.com saw this and snatched them up proves this. Nobody in the domain industry in 2009 has influenced more domainers than Craig Rowe to “think smart” about their domains.
2) PATRICK “Da Chef” RUDDELL: What a player, keeping things exciting for domainers everywhere. Big presence, big fun! His influence has been “become a successful domainer and you too can get some hot chicks to wear your tshirts!” This is a strong influence for all unmarried domainers!
3) ELLIOT “El-Sil” SILVER: For regularly providing detailed beneficial information through his blog about domaining, even for domain veterans. Without Elliot, about 1000 domain amateurs would be wasting their money on something stupid, like a $2000 stereo system that actually reduces the value of their car.
4) KIZBUT VOTE: ANDREW “Dub-A” ALLEMANN, for being the editor of the best domain news blog, essential for EVERY DOMAINER to read daily so they can be educated on everything “domaining” from A to Z.
Here’s the rub: I will support a “beer pong” contest between the four above domain geniuses, to find out who takes the crown. Whoever the winner is, their subsequent CU pic (TMZ style) after the contest will be printed on the DNW homepage with the caption “BAD TO THE BONE” and George Thorogood playing the theme song as the page loads.
See how well I understand the proper way to find out answers to hard questions!
Good luck to everyone in 2010, I will go with RJ’s optimistic anticipation in saying that this is the year that domains “make their mark”.
M. Menius says
I will second Sahar with a vote for Michael Berkens, but also one for Andrew Allemann and another for Ron Jackson. Their coverage of domaining is varied, inspirational, and newsworthy. In particular, they show an open-mindedness toward domain evolution and try to represent diverse issues & domainer interests with objectivity.
Most blogs have a definite slant or special agenda at work, but someone has to provide a more unbiased picture for all of domaining and the industries that will be coming to the table in the years ahead. Being heavily invested in non-com extensions, I am very appreciative to Michael, Andrew, and Ron that they have invested in those domains. They don’t artifically pump those extensions, but they do not trash them either.
This is the mark of true professionalism in my book. And also forward thinking. As we move forward in time, the domain industry will continue to expand and the industry will need several voices to illuminate what is happening (or about to happen). Particularly in regard to the domain name world extending beyond the small domainer community. There is so much more growth ahead.
Sahar Sarid says
M. Menius,
Agree on both. In terms of influence, specifically Andrew Allemann, if you consider the TechCrunch coverage earlier in 2009, due to DNW articles.
Best,
Sahar
Louise says
Can it be a person or entity?
Go Daddy scares me. Go Daddy got too big, and has a lobbyist in Washington. If you have to name a person, then Bob Parsons, the founder of Go Daddy, would be the figurehead, though likely he is not solely responsible.
Go Daddy has dozens of patent applications on file. Search Patent Applications on the right, using “go daddy.” The most recent one that Andrew wrote about is ridiculous. If they keep getting passed like that, Go Daddy will put everyone else out of business.
Go Daddy is a great company on lots of levels, just makes me nervous!
Domain Investor says
We sometimes forget that the domain community contains a number of great people.
Some known, some unknown.
Michael’s and Andrew’s blogs are very informative but the real strengh comes from all of the contributors which are willing to take the time to share their knowledge (for no profit).
If viewers did not comment the blogs would be totally different.
We all know that Ron started adding creditability to our industry almost 7 yrs ago. And, it continues every day.
Stephen mentioned a few people that have added value to our industry.
It will be interesting to see the final data.
Beacon of Truth says
My vote; due to the (negative) monetary effect their PPC-related decisions have had on the entire domain industry; are any or all of the 3 Google leaders.
Has anyone else financially, measurably impacted/hurt more people, companies, and domain businesses in the past year?
Jonty says
I tip my hat to all the above nominees. They are all good chaps. However, nary one of them possesses the guile to lead this industry in the years to come. Only I, Jonty, can steer this ship of domainers on a smooth and steady course. Therefore, I humbly ask for each and every one of your votes.
Feel free to contact me on facebook. I accept most friend requests.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jonty-Williams/686178070
BTW Andrew, this is a jolly good blog.
JB says
Jonty gets my vote for best blog spammer.
Stephen Douglas says
Jonty gets my vote as “best fake domainer” for pulling a double-whammy:
– Consistently making fun of Dub-A’s blog article here AND
– Wasting Dub’s time on ANOTHER blog article about fake domain purchase requests. (I bet they aren’t the same Jonty)
In fact, Jonty could be a great contributor to a website that focuses solely on making fun of domainers and domaining. When and if someone creates a worthy satirical website, they should hire Jonty. There’s one website I’d suggest for Jonty to work for that could take advantage of his talents of great writing and personality, DNcartoons.com.
I’m sure Dub-A knows who Jonty is by now, which means Dub could provide a recommendation! Maybe Jonty is a cartoonist! Or make Jonty a Cartoon Hero! With his own comic strip. (I get 15% manager commission for idea submission). What you think, Eric?
Josh says
I think dncartoon needs updating lol
Jonty says
Stephen,
My first cartoon would be of you and Jay Westerdal rolling around on top of a round table fighting. The caption above your head would be “Jay get your hand out of my pants, I’m not that way” and the caption above Jay’s head would be “Don’t worry Stephen, I’m not either, I’m trying steal your wallet”
Stephen Douglas says
okay, that was a good one.
lol
Domainer says
Now that Jonty has showed his ass I recast my vote for Denny. He is the smartest domainer I know and like Madonna only needs one name.