When will the numeric domain industry follow suit?

The International Herald Tribune's February 2nd article 'In Web domain name game, players gain some respect' discusses the domain industry's transformation from the highly secretive - and oft illegal - 'game' dominated by offshore players to a booming field that is increasingly characterized by respect and professionalism.

New developments in the domain industry's transition:

More money is at stake. In 2007, 106 domain names drew more than $100,000 each.

VC money is in play. ' ...over the last few months, private equity and venture capital firms have poured money into the largest companies in the field. Last year, Demand Media and Oversee.net...raised nearly $400 million from investors'

Domain REITs are going public. 'Last September, NameMedia, a company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, which has a huge portfolio of generic domain names, filed to go public on the Nasdaq stock market.'

Financing is available. 'specialized financiers who will lend money and accept domain names as collateral.'

Domainers have their own trade group (although it's staffed by only one person)

Although the numeric domain industry has a way to go before one sees stellar sales, VC investment, REIT IPOs and niche financing, the formation of a trade group could be right around the corner.

During the last week of 2007, we reported on the idea of a professional association for numeric domainers, which was prompted by the discovery of several recently registered domains by a WordDial co-founder. The block of registered domains includes monikers that you'd associate with a professional association including the actual phrase 'Numeric Domain(ers) Association' and also 'forum' and newsletter.

Professional or industry associations generally serve to elevate the skill sets, networks, ideas exchange, and careers of its members and also promote trade and good business practices (ethics) in the marketplace. An industry association is the first place the public often goes to seek general information, consultant or business referrals, jobs, learning opportunities, license verifications, and even position statements. All of these services increase the visibility, professionalism and stature of the field.

A numeric domain association would help by educating the public about all the reasons why one ought to invest in numeric domain properties. It also could help match buyers and sellers via an online marketplace or auction events.

If numeric domainers want investors to realize the utility and worth of their properties or products and raise their industry's visibility, professionalism and stature, they should push for the obvious solution: a numeric domain association.