--- Chuck Hatcher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > will Tucows/OpenSRS perhaps start pursuing expired > > domains? I'd join a system that would help increase > > my odds of getting the names I desire.
Absolutely... I'm astonished they haven't already joined up with Pool, Snap, or Enom, et al. Missing out on some big bucks here folks.
> You don't think it would be unseemly for Tucows to promote domain > name > speculation as a legitimate activity? (I always got the impression > they > viewed this kind of customer as sort of like that odd uncle the > family > doesn't like to talk about.)
Unseemly? You may not like real estate developers, but Donald Trump has made a pretty penny, lost it, and made it back. The same thing is going on with domains. As a registrar, Tucows should be partnered up with one of the "drop catching" services; in there picking up choice domains every day for auction.
How do you know who is a "speculator"? When one registers a domain name, it doesn't ask what your intended use is....
Your intended use doesn't matter as long as you aren't breaching the terms of registration. If you are, the injured party will come after you via UDRP or the courts and take your domain (and maybe some damages), have a nice day, please come again.
Even if we agree on a definition of "speculator" (aside from "he has the domain I want, and won't sell it to me for $35"), in a capitalist society, what makes such behaviour "illegitimate"? Last I checked, Tucows/OpenSRS wasn't a registered charity, neither are most of its resellers. Although I'm sure many of us do give to charity, from our profits on other activities.
"Speculation" is part of a healthy market and is here to stay - congrats on jukebox.com, George, I hope it's making you a mint. ;)
Tucows could get into the game but apparently chooses not to do so. I'm sure Domain Direct could use more customers - especially the sort who's willing to pay $10k+ for a single domain.
-Russ
