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While at Domain Round Table in San Francisco Ed Russell from NameDrive suggested in one of the sessions that I was moderating that rather being upbeat there was a feeling of fear entering the industry. Fear of the Microsoft takeover of Yahoo, fear of what Google has planned, fear of dropping earnings per click etc. All of these factors are concerning but is it really necessary to express it in a feeling of fear?
When I was in my mid-teens (a couple of years ago ;-)) I read the science fiction book authored by Frank Herbert, titled Dune. In the early chapters of the book the lead character had a litany about fear that went like this,
"I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain."
 I believe that this is very poignant for the domain industry. We need to face our fears and address them rather than hiding away, hoping that we'll get through and ultimately be oblitereated by them. We need to address what is in our power to change rather and come to a realization of our true worth to the wider Internet community.
Here's a few thoughts that I have concerning fear and domains
1. If you have all of your investments in domains then sell down about 30% of your portfolio NOW. Don't wait or hope for the big payout later on. Be realistic about the values of your domains and look after your personal interests and ensure that your family is secure. Keep the 70% of names left in your portfolio so that you can enjoy the wildest ride in your life.
2. Standards are an imperative for our industry. Standards bring a sense of security in the knowledge of what's a view, a click and why we get paid what we get paid. I also believe that standards will also accelerate the industry out of recession. Contact your domain parking company and ask them for their definitions of what a view, unique, click and RPM is, then send me an email with the answers. It should be an interesting read!
3. We have power. There is power in a domain name and the unique nature of a domain means that your saleable assets will ultimately increase in value, so hang in there. Let the fear wash over you in the sure knowledge that what you have can never be purchased again (assuming that you re-register it).
4. There are those in the domain industry that have various interests that they wish to push (me included) and you should always listen to each person with this in mind. For example, a person without trademarks will push for a trademark free industry while a person with trademarks will try and convince you of the opposite due to the great revenues they are generating. Be wise about who is pushing the fear bandwagon and know that there could be other motives behind what they are promoting.
5. Get together with other domain name owners. Attend the conferences (yes, some of them are expensive) and you'll find that there is an incredible array of opportunities and ideas that flow from one conversation to another that will allow you to massively increase the value of your domains. The average domain owner is on the extreme end of the entrepreneurial scale and the conferences end up being a hotbed of ideas! The next conference is TRAFFIC in Orlando - attend it and get energised for a great future in domains.
6. Get on skype. If you don't know what skype is then just Google for it. Skype will allow you to become part of the wider domain community with video conferencing and phone calls all at no cost. More and more domain owners are on skype (including yours truly). Talking with another domain owner is a great way to lift your spirits.
Remember that when all of the huge corporate maneuverings have been completed that only you and your domains will remain. You will be able to see where the fear is gone and that you are strong because you have what everyone else wants. A great domain name.
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...but we'll do lunch, promise 
See you in Orlando!