As some of you know, I invest in .CC names. You can see my portfolio of 600 .CC domain names at Speculator.cc.

I noticed something very interesting tonight as I was at the computer with a glass of Grand Mariner, leisurely checking the status of what I thought would be upcoming Pending-Delete .CC names, so I can snatch them up. I have a list of over 30,000 registered .cc names that I have put together through various means. Periodically, I run this list through a program that updates the recently expired names from the list to see what is going to delete and what has been renewed. It seemed that it was only months ago that a very large number of the names would go unrenewed by their owners. But tonight I was shocked as I went through perhaps 1500 names that had expired in the last couple weeks. Only about a dozen were not renewed! And not all names are the cream of the crop either, although these are the better names that are registered.

I can only draw the conclusion that .CC name owners are becoming more aware of the rising value of these names. It’s a good thing I’ve got 600 of them already.

Technorati Tags: domain name, domain, name, tld

The .cc domain has quietly been getting some attention lately. Good names are getting snapped up and prices are rising. Let me clarify that: sales prices on the very best names are rising, and asking prices on average dictionary names are rising with unrealistic expectations by sellers who will have to adjust to reality.

Why .cc? It’s doesn’t “feel” associated with any country or territory, so it’s “feels” in the same category as a com. It has a snappy sound to it. It’s easy to remember. The pricing is a bit more, than a com, but depending on coupons, I get them from $15 - 18 at Godaddy. Anyone can register one.

Is it a risk? Of course, it is. Only you can decide if it’s an investment risk you’ll want to take. I’m taking it.

But, I’m running at the mouth here. The purpose of this post was to tell you about a new site called Speculator.cc. It’s a forum where CC enthusiasts come together to discuss the .cc market. In addition, the always ready-to-share owner, Jennifer, lists ready-to-register .cc names each day. Some of them are pretty damn good too.

There is also a subforum where members can showcase their cc portfolios. You can see my names here.

So, go visit Jennifer’s forum, Speculator.cc

I’ve just updated the Domains Sales page with the list of domain names sold through Afternic for the 3rd Quarter of of 2006. Take look.

Technorati Tags: domain name, domain, afternic, auction

If you haven’t read it yet, read DNJournal’s article on the State of the Domain Industry. It’s a great article and a critical read for any domain investor.

The introduction of the article:

In our first State of the Industry survey of domain business experts a year ago, our panel predicted a phenomenal year in 2005. Their global forecast for the industry was right on the money as were many of their predictions regarding specific issues and events. Considering their track record we have been chomping at the bit to round up the channel’s best and brightest once again to get their insight into the events and trends of 2005 and more importantly, what they expect for the New Year ahead.

You will hear from a blue ribbon group of 20 experts that include key executives from the leading companies in the registration, PPC, aftermarket sales, drop catching and domain development sectors, as well as leading industry attorneys, trade show organizers and the people whose broad shoulders carry those mentioned above - domain name owners.

Technorati Tags: internet, domain, domain name

If you are interested in 3-character domains, 3Character.com provides an up-to-date price guide and a recent sales report, in addition to a forum.

The price guide includes separate wholsale pricing for 3-letter names, 3-number names and 3-character (mixed) names. check it out.

Technorati Tags: internet, domain, domain name

If you’ve been thinking about getting into the new .eu Top Level Domain (TLD), there’s a FAQ you can read on the subject here.

Technorati Tags: internet, domain, domain name, eu

I started a discussion on Namepros.com, called “What to choose when .com is taken?” that you might be interested in reading. People are weighing in on the respective values of the various TLDs. Please join in.

EDIT to Add: I just read an article out today entitled “Use of “.US” Domain Name Extension Rises Sharply.” If you’re interested in .us names, you should read it.

Technorati Tags: internet, domain, domain name

I’ve lately become interested in the .tv TLD. In fact, I purchased my first one last week–dummies.tv. No, “Dummies” is not trademarked by the Whatever for Dummies series guys. Anyway, I was reading the The Domain Blog today and the blogger highlighted an interesting thread on the NamePros.com discussion forum concerning .tv. If you’ve been interested in this TLD, you should read this five-star rated thread.

Technorati Tags: domain, domain name, internet, namepros, tv