Is a "2-4 letters .com with an amazing usage history" more valuable than a "24-character manually registered domain name with potential customers"? This is not a question of which TLD reigns above all, but rather how the values and principles of an investor impact the determination of a domain's worth. Hence, valuations are issued accordingly.

Although many investors view TLD and traffic/sales data as the sole factors in assessing value, there are those who exclude specific domains from their portfolio despite their length and statistics. For them, compromising their principles for the sake of profits is not an option.

Of course, every domain name investor has their own philosophy and strategy. Some prefer to keep their methods private while others aim to educate fellow investors - often leading to disagreement and questioning of approaches.

As the world progresses, so should the standards in domain name investment. Too much emphasis is placed on numbers with little discussion about the morality and values behind each decision. Some may argue that it's simply about domains and money while others offer differing opinions.

What do you think? We welcome your thoughts below.

Memorable domains are preferable for easy typing and recommending to friends, which is why larger projects are gravitating towards shorter domains such as hh.com and vk.com. An effective domain name boosts marketing efforts, with the cost easily recovered through traffic.

However, some companies confuse users by distorting difficult words. For instance, the creative "typo" qlean.com intended to set the company apart ends up leading to consistent traffic loss. This means investing more money in audio or TV ads since some users input the correct English spelling of the word "clean" instead. In contrast, a cleaning company that uses the simple domain Clean.com receives 200-300 orders daily without even putting marketing strategies in place.

While creative domain names can be excellent, owners should ensure that they own all other less imaginative options before starting a marketing campaign.

In finding a specific website, the domain name plays a significant role. The main goal is to make it short and easy to remember to enable consumers to locate the site easily.

A direct domain sale involves a transaction between the buyer and seller with the transfer of the domain. The benefits of this option include quick processing time and the absence of third-party commissions.

However, there are several drawbacks as well. The high probability of fraud exists, and buyers can also change terms without other parties' intervention to protect the seller's interests.

Personally, I only use this method if the seller accepts 100% prepayment, or if I've worked with them for some time. Nevertheless, even when a 100% prepayment is provided, it's necessary to carefully study a seller with no previous acquaintance. If they don't have accounts on social networks or forums for one to research them, it's better to forego this method.

The 2-4 letter .com domain with an amazing usage history, for instance, may hold significant value due to its rarity, ease of recall, and potential for branding. On the other hand, the 24-character manually registered domain name may have potential customers, but its length and complexity might make it less desirable to some investors.

Here's where principles come into play. Some investors may prioritize domains that align with their personal values, such as avoiding names that promote harmful or unethical activities. Others may focus on domains that have a positive impact on society or the environment. These principles can significantly influence an investor's perception of a domain's value, even if the numbers don't necessarily add up.

The domain name industry would benefit from a more holistic approach to valuation, one that considers both the tangible and intangible aspects of a domain. By doing so, investors can make more informed decisions that align with their values and principles, rather than solely chasing profits.
As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to reexamine our standards and priorities. We should strive to create a more transparent and responsible domain name market, where investors are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences, and where values and principles are given equal weight alongside metrics and data.