I'm really frustrated with the current state of affairs in the domain name market. This forum used to be an amazing resource, with years of valuable insights from investors, but it seems like no one bothers to read those anymore. What I keep seeing are posts like "WTB: Your domain that you spent time and money on, for reg fee." or "Buying any LLLL.com for 12 cents", followed by the same user trying to sell their own domain for an exorbitant amount, claiming it to be a "SUPER MEGA ULTRA PREMIUM BRANDABLE EXTRA PRONOUNCABLE SHORT DOMAIN!!!"

I've even offered certain users free domain names, as it's easier to give them away than to list them here or on eBay, especially when most people don't want to spend more than $2. It's disheartening to look back at offers from years ago, ranging from $300 to $500, only to see the current state of the market where people won't even consider paying more than $2. I understand that the market has changed, but that doesn't mean we should all be willing to lose substantial amounts of money.

Furthermore, some users have very specific criteria for domains but expect to pay nothing for them. I've gone out of my way to provide lists of available hand-registered names that fit their requirements, free of charge, yet they show no interest simply because these are hand-registered. Would it be better if I asked for a deposit to register the name and then charge a higher price? I've made $5500 this year alone from hand-registered domains, with only about $450 invested in all of them. Are they really all that bad?

It's understandable that we're all investors, but please, let's stop trying to buy for next to nothing and sell for unrealistic prices. And just to put it out there, "XNFGZR" is definitely not pronounceable. What is your take on this situation?

From a technical standpoint, domain names are crucial for establishing a brand identity and online presence. However, the devaluation of domain names due to unrealistic pricing demands and an oversaturated market is problematic. It impacts both those looking to acquire domain names and those trying to sell them, creating a challenging environment for all parties involved.

I have witnessed the importance of having a strong, memorable domain name. It's not just about having a functional address for a website; it's about standing out in a sea of online competition. This is why the current situation in the domain market is disheartening. It devalues the effort and creativity that goes into crafting a meaningful online presence.

As a result, it may be beneficial for the industry to reevaluate its standards and practices. Perhaps implementing measures to distinguish premium domains from standard ones could help restore value to domain names. By doing so, we can encourage fair pricing and recognize the efforts invested in acquiring and maintaining quality domain names.
The challenges you've highlighted resonate deeply with the web development community. It's crucial for the domain name market to adapt to the changing landscape of the internet and ensure that the value of domain names is upheld. This will not only benefit investors and sellers but also contribute to a stronger and more reputable online ecosystem.