URL Squatters
I am at my wits end and need some advice.I am working with a nonprofit that just selected a terrific new name and now needs a URL to use as the address for their website. There are two great domains that would work but are already owned by other folks.
Neither of these owners are using the domains. They are just sitting there unused. The nonprofit is willing to pay real money for the rights, but they simply won't respond. Based on a little research, it looks like one of the owners may be in jail. The other one is just stubborn (we assume).
URLs are real estate, and people have rights to own real estate without being forced to sell. What makes this different is that the domain name is ".org" and that the real estate is not being used. It is like having a nonprofit that is willing to build low-income housing on an abandoned lot, but the owner won't take the fair market value for it. Criminal.
Should there be an eminent domain law about .org URLs that are vacant lots? They are needed to serve the public, and it is in the public's interest that they not remain as vacant lots if there is a buyer willing to pay the market value as defined by a third party.
While we wait for Obama to pass this new law, does anyone have a suggestion for how to address this frustrating situation?
What a tragedy of the cyber-space commons!
I believe ".org" developed organically for urls in competition for .com names. However, what might help us is to find a way to show that .ORG means something much more substantial and represents an entire sector.
From there, maybe we stand a chance to develop a new set of rules for url squatters on .ORG use and territory.
Personally, I don't think it's ethical to squat on any URL regardless of the TLD unless you have a legitimate use for it and intend to make use of it in a timely manner. I wouldn't be surprised if a quarter or more of all registered domains are currently held by squatters - it certainly seems that way when I'm trying to register something. I'd kill for some kind of legal means of kicking squatters off of their domains if they aren't acting in good faith.
did you look at the .com option? We use both
Domain squatting is a big problem facing all industries. You could try to find an alternative URL using a service like http://domai.nr/
Imagining myself as the alleged "squatter," if I received an e-mail offer to buy my unused domain, I'd assume someone was trying to scam me and delete the e-mail. I'd react similarly to a phone call. But if I received a letter on official looking letterhead, I'd take it more seriously. I'd check out the organization and see if it's legit. If it was, then I'd probably say to myself, "Heck, am I going to have to get a lawyer to deal with this? I don't even know how to surrender my rights to the domain!" And I'd put the letter aside to worry about later. What I'm saying is, if you want the domain badly enough, be persistent but respectful. Assure the owner it will cost them nothing and that you will cover any fees related to the process. Of course, if the owner really is convinced he'll use the domain someday, he may turn you down. But be vigilant: if he doesn't get around to using it and lets it expire, you may be able to snap it up later.
I think Erin's right about using letterhead to get the squatter's attention. A Priority Mail envelope will surely squash any thoughts about scamming.
I'm not so sure that the squatter would be befuddled by the process for surrendering a domain name -- that's what squatters do for their income. I myself have received e-mails from fishy folks looking to "sell" me domain names parallel to mine (I have a .org, they offer .com etc.).
I'd send a letter, but I'd also try to register the name with a different top-level domain (.com or .net). Squatters' snarky behavior (and web hosts' ignorance of the rules in general) have muddied the distinctions about .com vs. .org.
Hi Aaron,
I work as AD for Center for Pacific Asian Families, a current project under Anne Diaz, Program Manager in LA.
My experience is that Network Solutions, Inc. the "internic" de facto registrar of 90% of .com or .org URL's will discuss "parking" issues with you at a Marketing Dir level, esp for Non-Profits.
You could call them at their GC's office or direct to Network Sol., Herndon Virginia HQ.
best,
Jeff Schachner
cc: via email to Anne Diaz
I too have looked for domains that were being held by "squatters", however my opinion of this differs from most above. I have a non-profit for research into causes and cures for a specific form of canine blindness. We were lucky and could get what we needed. BUT, these people have legitimately bought and paid for something. It is theirs and I see no reason why they should be deprived of it just because someone else wants it. Would you feel justified in getting the government to take someone's car because you thought you had a better use for it, how about their home (yes, I'm aware of that horrible Supreme Court decision that most states are now countering? Government SHOULD not be able to unilaterally take private property without extremely good reason. That was the original purpose of eminent domain, but like so many constitutional principles it has now been stretched so as to be unrecognizable to the Founding Fathers.
Hi Aaron I feel this article is very good……. It’s not only interesting; it helps us readers to ponder on the subject. I m very impressed with your work, and I look forward for more of it…. Congratulations on your good work….
I must say that overall I am really impressed with this blog.It is apparent that you know you topic and you are passionate about it. If only I had your publishing ability I have bookmarked your site and look forward to more updates.
What are the odds of exchanging links.
i thought that was the case - good point of view
Your site does now show up right in the Amaya browser, I thought you might want to know.
Hi. Very nice Post. Not really what i have searched over Google, but thanks for the information.