Midjourney is a research lab using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate images and art from textual descriptions.
Like its older brother, DALL-E, the Midjourney input follows an extensive syntax, with commands defining the subject, style, and methodology of image creation. Its input and output utilizes Discord channels to interact with the AI engine of Midjourney.
Currently in a fast-evolving beta, Midjourney was founded by David Holz, who co-founded Leap Motion. The company began its open beta in late March 2022 on the domain Midjourney.com.
That domain wasn’t registered from scratch, it was acquired by Midjourney’s founders via the GoDaddy ecosystem of parked domains.
An alien solar system created by the Midjourney AI engine
The domain name Midjourney.com was registered in 2007 and was used as a personal web site about self-discovery and mindfulness. It remained active for almost 15 years and in 2014 it contained a landing page with the following message:
This is not a place to come for answers as those can only be found within. MidJourney is about discovering the now and sharing those thoughts and experiences which contribute to awakening. There are thousands of teachers, living and dead, who are or have done the same.
Each of us with our own way of interpreting and relaying the truths we have discovered. There are thousands of seekers and each of us too with own way of doing the same. There is no final destination ~ there is only this moment and this now.
Green froggy monster in a swamp created by Midjourney
It’s fascinating that the personal web site of its prior owner has become a platform to promote art and generate visuals from words, the primary communication medium of humans.
Per our research, the domain Midjourney.com was acquired in late 2021 by the Midjourney founders, planning ahead for the March launch. Its founder announced his involvement in the project in July.
Al Pacino as Zeus, created by the Midjourney AI
How much money did Midjourney pay to acquire the domain Midjourney.com from its previous owner?
Considering the previous owner’s potential lack of experience in domain valuation, the transaction most likely involved a GoDaddy broker that relayed Midjourney’s interest in the domain name.
That fact could limit the price range to low five figures, in our opinion – GoDaddy is most welcome to dispute this by providing some data on the Midjourney.com transaction.
(Crickets.)
