Reflections On A Sunday – 3 January 2015

Hope everyone had a great New Year; and that you are really excited by the prospects for the year ahead.

Reflection 1

I’ve been cogitating over the future of the .au space, and these are some of my predictions for 2016.

If you agree or disagree – or have others to add – would love to hear your point of view. 🙂

• Uniregistry is starting operations in Australia this month. They will really disrupt the existing registrar market simply by virtue of the power and tools behind their platform.

• The dropcatching market will get a real shake-up. I think we will see at least one new entrant – as well as some changes to existing trio.

• There will be at least two new aftermarket sales platforms start up by 30 April. These will offer much needed sales outlets to what currently exists.

• More buyers will enter the .au space – both local and international. The principles of “supply and demand” will kick in.

Reflection 2

These are my hopes for 2016 and beyond. Most have to do with the administration of the .au space.

• A concerted effort will be made to encourage more people to join as members of the auDA.

• The auDA Board will make the “right and proper” decision to seek a better and more comprehensive polling of existing registrants with regards introducing direct registrations (and possible implementation methods). If they do this, then no one can have cause for complaint or agitation.

• Conflicts of interest / vested interests are properly addressed and managed. First and foremost, I accept that domainers and domain investors have a vested interest to protect. Just as I hope that the registry, registrars and resellers acknowledge that they do too. But there is a silent unrepresented majority interest out there that needs protection the most. They are the “Mums and Dads” / small and medium business operators.

• The ability for anyone to make an anonymous, cost free online complaint to auDA is changed. If a party is genuinely aggrieved, then they should have no problem in putting their name to a complaint; as well as paying a small administrative fee.

• Competition thrives in every sector of our industry. That generally is the best way to effect change.

And To End

A little motivation from two of my favourite’s …