At the time of this posting, there are 12 references to "squatting". While it may be arguing over semantics, it is an important distinction as there is a difference between "squatting" and "investing".

An individual who saw the foresight and bought a few acres of land that later became highly desirable for a subdivision is heralded as a real estate investor while someone doing the same with domain names is lumped with the shadier individuals in society.

According to the United States federal law known as the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, is registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybersquatting

After seeing how good domain names could help me better market my software as a startup on a tight budget, I became intrigued and am a part-time domain investor (domainer).