We’re Committed to Domain Channel: Google

Google’s Hal Bailey discusses domain parking at DOMAINfest.

In what can only be described as an awkward session, Google Adsense for Domains’ Hal Bailey discussed the future of the domain channel at DOMAINfest Global today in Los Angeles.

The good news for domainers is that Bailey stated the firm is committed to the domain channel and believes it adds value to domainers. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) will not exit the domain channel “any time soon”, he stated. He also stated Google does not want to compete with domain parking firms and views them as a value-add.

“We value our partners,” Bailey stated. “They provide value to us and they provide value to [domainers].”

In 2008, Google focused on traffic quality, and that will continue.

The session started turned awkward once the floor was opened up for questions. It was awkward for a couple reasons. First, some of the audience’s questions didn’t make sense or where regarding Google products unrelated to Adsense for Domains. Bailey’s group doesn’t actually manage the Adsense for Domains “direct” product, and only works with partners such as Oversee. Second, the audience was generally hostile to Google’s perceived lack of transparency. Bailey dodged many questions stating he couldn’t comment on them. When I asked Bailey what, other than the economy, was driving down domain parking revenue, he replied it was the economy.

Bailey will be at the networking session this afternoon to meet with domainers face-to-face.