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Archive for February, 2008

Feb28

“Download: The True Story of the Internet” Premiers Monday March 3rd

The Science Channel, part of the Discovery network, has some of my favorite television programming. Some of my favorites are Myth Busters, Future Weapons, Beyond Tomorrow, and Survivorman I love shows that are inspiring, innovative, and thought provoking. Sexy hosts making stuff explode makes it all the better!

The True Story of the Internet” is about the internet revolution of the last 10 years. The founders of eBay, Google, Yahoo, Amazon, Netscape and many others tell the personal stories of how they made their untold billions in this short time period.

The style of the story-telling is up close and personal. With first-hand testimony from the people that matter, we tell a story that has all the excitement of a thriller — full of battles and back-stabbing, moments of genius and moments of sheer hilarity. You will never surf the net in the same way again.

Did They Leave Out the Domain Name Industry?

Domain names are the backbone of all this progress in business, branding and the internet itself. I am not positive, but I don’t think the domain industry will be put in the spotlight within any of these episodes.

Soon domain names will become main stream as more and more big stories unfold. Aside from Mr. Gates himself, domainers are making as much if not more income than many of these featured business founders.

download-show.jpg

Episode Premier Schedule

There are four separate hour-long episodes in this special presentation. Listed below are the premier air times. Each episode will be rerun many times in the following days if you happen to miss the premier.

Mar 03, 9:00 pm
(60 minutes)
Download: The True Story of the Internet
“Browser Wars”

This is the story of an epic battle between America’s mightiest corporation and a small group of “computer geeks” who created a revolutionary technology.

Mar 03, 10:00 pm
(60 minutes)
Download: The True Story of the Internet
“Search”

In a few short years a new and unique way of finding information revolutionized the Web and in the process created one of the largest companies in the US; Google.

Mar 04, 9:00 pm
(60 minutes)
Download: The True Story of the Internet
“Bubble”

In an astonishing journalistic coup, the founders of the Amazon and Ebay, Jeff Bezos and Pierre Omidyar, tell the story of how their business grew from nothing to dominate the global economy and profoundly change the way we live our lives.

Mar 04, 10:00 pm
(60 minutes)
Download: The True Story of the Internet
“People Power”

This is the story of how the internet has changed society and how a new breed of entrepreneurs are shaping our digital futures. It all started with Napster; a way of swapping music that was dreamt up by the teenaged Shawn Fanning.

Trailer Video Clips

  • Mooning the Giant: Bill Gates gets the necessary fuel to begin an all-out war.
  • Navigator: Netscape’s latest invention, Navigator, begins to take the world by storm.
  • YouTube: YouTube Co-founder Chad Hurley discusses his outlook on people driven browsers.
  • MySpace: What’s next for the new generation of Web 2.0?
  • Bill Gates: After dropping out of Harvard to run his own company, Bill Gates is going nowhere but up in the PC World.
  • Web 2.0: These innovators are heading the revolution of Web 2.0.

Enjoy the show! Feel free to reminisce about what you were doing during the 90’s internet revolution with a comment. I wish I had been buying domains!

Feb28
Feb27

Publishers: How To Bypass Ad Blocking Software

A recent trend in anti-spyware and anti-virus software is to eliminate virtually all graphical advertisements while a user is browsing the internet. The most popular ad blocking software today is the free AdBlock Plus Firefox extension, followed closely by the paid software Norton Anti-Virus.

Let me start of by disclosing a little secret, I use and enjoy AdBlock Plus for Firefox. I know that may lead you to think that I am being hypocritical in writing this guide to bypass AdBlock Plus, however, often times I turn AdBlock Plus off for respectable websites and blogs that I frequent. I should also note that I have not personally followed my own advice yet as I am in the process of renovating my sponsorship model.

Why You Should Bypass Ad Blocking Software

The benefits will mostly be passed on to your sponsors who are paying to place their banners on your blog or website. AdBlock software can often break design elements of your website or make certain areas look awkward. Banner impressions will rise which in turn allows you to charge a higher price for your ad space.

AdBlock Plus is this single most popular Firefox extension to date!

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How To Bypass AdBlock Plus

First we must examine why this software is blocking your graphic advertisements through their various filters. Listed below I describe the most common ad block filters.

  • Block URLs to third-party ad servers (Google Ads, FastClick, etc.)
  • Block images of specific sizes (468×60, 125×125, etc.)
  • Block javascript which opens pop-ups (pop-overs, pop-unders, etc.)
  • Block URLs which contain certain words (ad, banner, click, etc.)
  • Block image names with ad sizes (ad468×60.jpg, ad120×60.gif, etc.)

Now it becomes fairly obvious what you must do to bypass adblock filters…

1. Remove “Ad” and “Click”: If you use banner ad management software such as phpAdsNew or a certain WordPress Plugin to manage advertisements make sure it does NOT contain “ad” in the folder name. You should also go one step further and remove the words “ad” or “click” from any and all file names.

2. Use Slightly Altered Ad Sizes: Even if your standard size graphic advertisements are promoting your own business or something very mundane they will still be blocked by default ad blocking filters. The easiest way to bypass this is to add or subtract a few pixels from the width and height of your banner ads. Some examples; use 470×58 not 468×60, use 124×126 not 125×125, use 122×58 not 120×60.

3. Host Locally and Name Wisely: It would be nice of you to inform your sponsors that you are modifying the banner ad sizes slightly so that they may ensure their images are not distorted. You should always host the images on your own server and never include pixel sizes or the words “ad” or “banner” in the names of your image files.

Publish Advertisements Wisely

As a general rule for good publishing you should be selective of your sponsors. Don’t run loud and obnoxious, blinking, obtrusive advertisements in the middle of your content. This is why people install AdBlock Plus in the first place. Be smart and try to put youself in your visitor’s shoes.

Feb26
Feb26
Feb25

Mark’s Bookmark Vault: Literally Hundreds of Domainer Resources

I would like to announce a new resource that can be found in the Premium area of the DotSauce Forums.

I have organized and pruned my personal bookmarks which I have been saving for several years as a web developer/domainer and am now releasing this collection of hundreds of resources to you!

Below you will find an outline describing each category of my “Bookmark Vault” and the number of links contained within each.

Peak Into Mark’s Bookmark Vault

  • Webmaster & Domainer Forums: (41 Links!) An excellent list of professional web developer and domainer forum communities. These are all established and reputable communities which often have forums to sell your domains for free.
  • Domainer Tools & Websites: (34 Links!) Free windows software and web based applications to make the life of a domainer easier, more productive and more profitable!
  • Domaining Blogs: (38 Links!) A nearly comprehensive listing of domainer specific web blogs posting professional articles and news updates regarding the domain name industry.
  • Web Design Resources: (99 Links!) Loads of amazing applications, resources, free downloads, blogs and more related to CSS, design themes, graphic design and web design.
  • Brilliant Blogs: (68 Links!) Blogs that are not directly related to domain names but provide professional articles, resources and news updates for web developers and tech enthusiasts.
  • Miscellaneous Domainer Resources: (57 Links!) A hodge podge listing of cool links related to domaining and web development which have not yet been categorized but still contain some great resources. These will be merged into correct categories soon.
  • Random Cool & Web 2.0 Links: (51 Links!) A collection of fun, functional and innovative “Web 2.0″ type tools, websites and projects that I have discovered in my uncharted journey through the web.
  • Search Engine Optimization: Coming Soon!
  • Script Downloads and Resources: Coming Soon!
  • Free Entertainment & Music: Coming Soon!
  • Quality Free WordPress Themes: Coming Soon!

I encourage my premium subscribers to contribute their favorite links and help me to manage the Bookmark Vault so that it can stay fresh and continue to evolve as great resource for everyone.

How to Access Mark’s Bookmark Vault

Premium subscribers enjoy unrestricted access to expired domains lists, free domain tools, discounts and exclusive coupons, and valuable articles.

On top of all that they now get a glimpse into the hundreds of resources found in the Bookmark Vault. It is only $10 /month to become a DotSauce Premium Subscriber.

Register for free on the DotSauce Forums and then click here to purchase your Premium Subscription for only $10.

Feb25
Feb21

TRAFFIC Las Vegas – $4.3 Million Live Auction Results

The T.R.A.F.F.I.C. live auction results are in from Las Vegas! The Traffic Live Auction produced an astounding $4,247,950 total domain sales. Many premium domain names were sold and many more unfortunately did not meet their reserves.

Successful Domain Auction Sales

Original data gathered from The Domains blog, which also features a listing of all the domain names that did not sell. Domains have been sorted by final sales price.

$850,000 SkiResorts.com

$460,000 Meds.com

$300,000 DVDs.com

$200,000 CPC.com

$110,000 Porn.mobi

$110,000 AutoClassifieds.com

$110,000 GarageSales.com

$110,000 PenisEnlargment.com, PenisSize.com and PenisSizes.com

$100,000 Husband.com

$92,000 SearchEngines.com

$85,000 Niche.com

$80,000 GoldDigger.com and GoldDiggers.com

$80,000 Skinny.COM

$77,000 Cotton.com

$70,000 Hoax.com

$62,000 WeddingVows.com

$60,000 Tickets.mobi

$55,000 Organ.com

$52,000 Baseball.net

$45,000 Gags.com

$45,000 Invest.net

$37,000 CheddarCheese.com

$36,000 DiscountStores.com

$35,000 PinUp.com

$35,000 Formals.com

$35,000 Vet.net

$34,000 LearningToys.com

$30,000 Jewellers.com

$30,000 OfficeManager.com

$30,000 AntiDepressant.com

$29,000 Faithful.com

$27,000 HealthStore.com

$26,000 Property.mobi

$25,000 FreeMovieDownload.com

$25,000 OklahomaRealEstate.com

$22,000 BusinessConsultants.com

$20,000 Shows.mobi

$20,000 WoodCabinets.com

$20,000 LifeSaver.com

$20,000 Swimming.net

$20,000 Vegas.mobi

$18,000 CollectorPlates.com

$18,000 PersonalityTests.com

$17,700 Deductions.com

$17,000 Preacher.com

$17,000 RepossessedHomes.com

$17,000 OnlineFinancing.com

$17,000 ChocolateChips.com

$17,000 GreenCard.org

$17,000 Computer.us

$17,000 Broadway.mobi

$17,000 AirplaneCharters.com

$17,000 PortableGPS.com

$17,000 DrugCard.com/.net/.org

$16,000 Hollywood.mobi

$16,000 UsedSnowMobiles.com

$15,000 Kitchenettes.com

$15,000 PalmReader.com

$15,000 GreenVehicles.com

$15,000 WorldPhones.com

$15,000 VegasDiscounts.com

$15,000 Lunatic.com

$14,000 KosherRestaurants.com

$12,000 Banks.mobi

$12,000 AlaskanKingCrab.com

$12,000 NewYorkCheesecake.com

$11,000 ConsultingFirms.com

$11,000 GovernmentServices.com

$10,000 Naked.mobi

$10,000 Doctor.mobi

$10,000 DillPickles.com

$9,750 Lottery.mobi

$8,000 Odds.net

$8,000 FlatFeet.com

$8,000 RVJ.com

$7,000 Bail.org

$7,000 FlatscreenTelevisions.com

$7,000 Score.mobi

$7,000 DUI.mobi

$6,000 YouPhone.com and Uphone.com

$6,000 HeartWorms.com

$5,000 ComedyClubs.net

$4,000 Condoms.info

Total Sales → $4,247,950

Continuing Silent Auction

An extensive list of premium domain names that did not meet their reserve price during the live auction will again be placed up for bidding in a silent online auction managed by Moniker & SnapNames.

You can find all the details and registration here.

Feb20

Sneak Peek into the Tucows, Inc. Domain Portfolio

DomainNameWire tipped me off to this press release from Tucows, Inc. entitled “Tucows Reveals Key Domain Name Portfolio Assets.” Most likely announced to drum up interest with stock investors.

Tucows (AMEX:TCX) is a longstanding ICANN accredited domain registrar, web hosting and Internet Service Provider, and maintains one of the most popular software download websites. The company holds a domain name portfolio of over 150,000 domain names that are available for sale.

Peek Inside Their Portfolio

Over 1,000 “Gems” (Sample 100 included below)
39,000 Surnames, 65 percent of North American last names.
22,000 Brandable names
88,000 Direct Navigation names. (Monetized with Pay-per-click)

Actresses.com
Aerodynamic.com
Alligators.com
Amnesty.com
Anger.com
AnimalTrainers.com
Artillery.com
AutoRacers.com
Backs.com
Ballads.com
BasketballPlayers.com
Beagles.com
BigSisters.com
BikeRiders.com
Biologist.com
Blessing.com
Breeding.com
Brontosaur.com
Bulldozer.com
Burmese.com
Canaries.com
Cardiologists.com
Cartoonists.com
ChorusLine.com
Codeine.com
Congressman.com
Corked.com
Desperados.com
DietFood.com
Dietician.com
Divorced.com
DogBreeders.com
DreamLover.com
Drummers.com
EndlessLove.com
EnglishTeachers.com
EquipmentStorage.com
ExoticCat.com
Geologists.com
GraphicArtists.com
GreatDanes.com
Gynecologists.com
Honourable.com
Humble.com
IceSkaters.com
Interviewer.com
JehovahsWitnesses.com
Jewellers.com
Labradors.com
Lemons.com
Leopards.com
Liberals.com
Listener.com
LonelyHearts.com
Lutheran.com
MailDelivery.com
Mammal.com
Masseuse.com
Minis.com
Moonlighting.com
MorningShow.com
MyGarage.com
Narcotics.com
Naturalists.com
NewsReporter.com
Ouzo.com
Parakeets.com
Paramedics.com
PawnShops.com
Penicillin.com
Perfumer.com
Pianists.com
PoliceOfficer.com
Pomeranian.com
ProjectManagers.com
PunchLines.com
Puppysitters.com
Relics.com
Retrievers.com
Rockclimbers.com
Satanic.com
SiameseCat.com
Skateboarders.com
Sleuth.com
Sobriety.com
SoftwareDesigners.com
Stylist.com
TennisPlayers.com
TheBeaches.com
TheCaribbean.com
TheCompany.com
TheHotel.com
TheOpera.com
ThePostoffice.com
TheUnitedStates.com
Tool.com
Umpires.com
Veggies.com
Weasels.com
Wrestlers.com

The Tucows portfolio team strategically sells some of its names via live and silent auction, some are bundled and sold individually to interested parties, and some are leased to businesses on a multi-year term.

Real Gems or Cheap Imitations?

Some may find the claim that these domains are “premium” or “gems” to be false. In my opinion they have excellent development and branding potential. Many could be used to compliment existing companies and organizations. The age of these domains (majority registered prior 2000) plays a factor in increased value as well.

This announcement by Tucows may be intended to drum up interest for potential investors. I would have to agree that the current (AMEX: TCX) stock price of $.68 per share does not reflect the value of their domain portfolio.

Feb20