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.

Latest News


Learn the ins and outs of buying a domain name
Arizona Republic, AZ - 8 hours ago
2, 2008 09:42 AM Answer: Your domain name is the most important part of your Web site outside your welcome page. It defines how customers find you on the ...

New York Times

.Tel Them Where to Find You
New York Times, United States - 4 hours ago
A “land rush” period, in which anyone can buy domain names for around $150 a year, begins Feb. 3. After March 24, domain names will be available for around ...
Netfirms Announces Availability of Innovative .TEL Domain Names PR Web (press release)
all 8 news articles

Internet body to auction special domain names
The Punch, Nigeria - 1 hour ago
By Jonah Iboma The Nigeria Internet Registration Association, the body in charge of the administration of the country’s top-level domain name, .ng, ...

SnapNames.com Announces Auction Services for Deleting .mobi Domain ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 11 hours ago
Founded in 2000, SnapNames operates the largest auction of expired and deleting domain names. Partnering with the world's largest and best-known registrars ...

Domain Name Community DNF24 Launches Free Expired Domain Name Tool
7thSpace Interactive (press release), NY - 10 hours ago
Amsterdam and New York, December 2nd 2008 - Today, domain name community DNF24.COM has announced the launch of its available expired domain name service for ...

Early Christmas: Domain Name Community DNF24 Gives Away Free ...
7thSpace Interactive (press release), NY - Dec 1, 2008
Amsterdam & New York - December 1st 2008 - (7thSpace.com) - Today, domain name community DNF24.COM has launched a contest, where community members can ...

Genius Marketing: Answer Trivia on Twitter, Win Free Domain Names
Mashable, CA - Dec 1, 2008
Domain registrar NameCheap is executing one of the latter, running a holiday trivia contest where their followers are awarded free domain registrations for ...

Australia: Watch This (Expanding Internet Domain Name) Space: An ...
Mondaq News Alerts (registration), UK - 16 hours ago
The following FocusPaper provides a broad overview of ICANN's newly proposed procedure for the introduction of additional top-level domain names to the ...

John Motson's Free Book "Domaining Manifesto" Reveals Secrets Of ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 17 hours ago
With the dire state of today's global financial market, domain names are turning out to be a very steady and reliable investment alternative as domain names ...

Tucows Joins Ethoca-Powered Global Fraud-Fighting Community
PR Web (press release), WA - 11 hours ago
Hover is the easiest way for individuals and small businesses to manage their domain names and email addresses. -- Tucows also owns a portfolio of tens of ...

Resources