Is Defining Moment for .Mobi — November Auction

Auction of 200 reserved domain names will test the aftermarket for .mobi domain names.

I know the folks over at dotMobi like me, but I’m honored they selected my birthday to launch a massive .mobi auction over at Sedo.

The auction starting November 5 will include 200 reserved domain names, and there are some doozies such as Blackjack.mobi, Games.mobi (which previously “sold” for $401,500), and xxx.mobi.

Following slowly auctioning off many of its previous domains at strong prices, dotMobi is opening up the floodgates with this auction. More uber-premium .mobi domains will be auctioned off in a single auction than during the entire history of .mobi. This is the defining moment for .mobi speculation. Are buyers still excited regarding this extension? Will there be enough cash to go around to snap up all of the good domains? Will the dismal state of financial markets scare off bidders?

For its part, it looks like Sedo has addressed the technical issues it had during last December’s auction. Sedo CEO Tim Schumacher stated, “The incredible demand for .mobi domains during our last online auction with dotMobi caused the rare occurrence of technical difficulties. Recognizing how great the demand is for .mobi domains, Sedo has thoroughly addressed these technical issues to ensure the success of this highly anticipated auction, since it’s clear that the .mobi domain has engaged everyone’s interest in the possibilities of the mobile Web.”

And for those worried regarding .mobi compliance rules, it’s very easy to create a .mobi-compliant web site now thanks to fresh tools.

So what do you think? Will this be a shining moment for .mobi or a big disappointment?