Domain Squatting Explained

The one thing that annoys me most about the topic of domain names is when trying to find a domain name for a new site only to find most of the names I come up with are already taken. Even more annoying is that these names are not being used for a site that relates to the domain name.

Domain squatting or cyber squatting is the term used for someone who registers a domain with no intention of using it, that would otherwise be used for a site relating to the domain name.

Let me give you an example, recently I came up with an idea for a site and there was a couple of domains that were ideal, keyword1keyword2.com and the plural version, so I checked to see if they were available. I found that both the names I thought would be perfect were taken. Both domain names were directed to a generic search page whose sole purpose is to make money off of direct type ins.

Now I haven't given the names as I don't want to give away my idea and I don't want to give the sites any free advertising. This is not a one off incidence but something that happens quite often, especially with domain names with good or popular keywords. This activity is not illegal unless you use a trademark name, but it is against the ethics of what the internet is about.

There is a difference between domain squatting and domain parking and that difference is intent. If you register the domain with the intent of using it in the future for a purpose relating to the domain name then you have just parked the domain. If you register a domain with the sole intention of making money from reselling it or getting revenue from people typing in the domain name then that is domain squatting.

As I have explained it is not illegal it is just unethical, it is a free market economy and people are motivated by profit. I do not agree with domain squatting as it forces webmasters like myself to use domain names that are far from perfect, take this site on domain names, this name was far from my first choice. It also misleads internet users as the expect a site to be related to the keywords in the domain name making the internet less user friendly.

Find out more about domain names and get some advice before registering your next domain.


5 Tips For the Perfect Domain Name

What is a domain name? A domain name is the... Read More

How Do I Buy a Domain Name?

Q: I'd like to buy a domain, but I discovered... Read More

How to Profit with Domain Name Speculation

Domain Name speculation has become big business. According to recent... Read More

How To Buy And Sell Domain Names Part Time For Profit Part 2

Let's just take a quick glimpse at what we've done... Read More

ICANN Registrar: jp-Domains for Anybody

Cologne, October 10 2004. ICANN Registrar Secura announces today, that... Read More

How Can You Choose the Best Domain Name?

It's all in the NameThe domain you use for a... Read More

Its Raining ccTLDs

By now you've probably noticed the onslaught of unfamiliar domain... Read More

Selling a .co.uk Domain Name via Sedo

Selling a .co.uk Domain Name via SedoThis is a recent... Read More

Domain Names Explained

If you are totally new to the internet then you... Read More

Selecting a Domain Name Registrar - How to Avoid Getting Burned

When it comes to registering your domain name you want... Read More

Is Your Domain Costing You Traffic?

You visited a great website some time ago that had... Read More

Domain Names

Domain names are relatively straightforward! Or at least that's the... Read More

Domain Parking Explained

Domain names are being snapped up all the time so... Read More

Domain Names More Choices than You Think

When you are choosing a domain name you will probably... Read More

Sub Domains - An Inexpensive Solution to Grow Traffic

Read this brief article that reflects what we learned about... Read More

Domain Names - How to Choose, and Register One

What is a domain name?A domain name is the address... Read More

Do You Have a Good .Com Name? What is One So Important!

A domain can leave an imprint on the mind of... Read More

Domain Name Registration - Key Tips

Domain name registration is a necessary, easy, and strategically important... Read More

How to Sell your Website

There are hundreds and thousands of websites on the internet... Read More

How To Choose The Best Domain Name

In this article we are going to look at the... Read More

Domain Names 101 - A Dummies Guide to Choosing Great Domain Names

When it comes to choosing your domain name, do not... Read More

Tips and Tricks To Getting Top Money for your Domain Names

Would you like to be that lucky person who sells... Read More

Detagged Domains

What is a DETAGGED domain name? We get asked this... Read More

Warning: Your Domain Name Could Infringe On Trademark Rights!

If you have or are about to purchase a domain... Read More

How To Really Profit from Domain Names

Have you heard about domain names that sold for over... Read More