Re:Today I created a site where you can post your unused dom...
by Jake541 on Saturday July 17, 2010 @12:36PM
(#1524093)
Isn't this squatting? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Re:Today I created a site where you can post your unused dom...
by ohashi on Sunday July 18, 2010 @01:53AM
(#1525320)
Squatting is infringing other people's trademarks. If I bought micros0ft.com and covered it in software ads, that would be squatting.
If I bought hotels.com and planned to sell it for money to a big hotel chain or something, I've not infringed anyone's rights. Generic/descriptive names are normally OK.
of course if there is a company using the generic for a non-generic purpose and I grab a typo/another extension and use their non-descriptive purpose, that is also squatting. For example, if I owned amazon.net and tried to sell books that would infringe on amazon. Or if I bought apple.net and sold computers. However, if I advertised amazon rain forest trips or sold apples that would be ok (not squatting).
Of course, lots of money and lawyers can change what is and isn't right (checkout nissan.com)
Anyways, about the idea, one of two outcomes is possible:
1. If they domain is worth more than threshold, someone will buy it and take advantage. I don't see a difference of a startup benefiting versus someone else reselling it. the difference in value is still being captured.
2. Garbage names, nobody cares and the site dies.
I know I am not the only domain investor reading HN and if there is quality, someone will buy them.