Today I created a site where you can post your unused domain names • Hacker News Board

Re: Today I created a site where you can post your unused domain names

#21

Post by ohashi » Sat, Jul 17, 2010, 4:31 PM UTC

briansmith wrote: post #16

snitko wrote: post #7

If you don't want this to turn into a marketplace for squatters, you should really set some ground rules. For example, you may say that people can't post domain names that they're selling for more than $100. That's just one thing, there are probably others that could help this website not turn into a trash collector.

That kind of policy only helps the squatters. If you set a $100 maximum then you'd just get squatters buying them all for $100 and reselling them for much, much more. There's not much difference in paying $100 for something and paying $10 for something, if you're going to sell it for $10,000 or $100,000.

I've made a living buying and selling domain names and 100$ is a fine price in many cases. I've had days where I've registered 100+ names... if I could get decent liquidity at $100/each, I would be a happy man.

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.

Re: Today I created a site where you can post your unused domain names

#22

Post by Jake541 » Sat, Jul 17, 2010, 4:36 PM UTC

ohashi wrote: post #21

briansmith wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That kind of policy only helps the squatters. If you set a $100 maximum then you'd just get squatters buying them all for $100 and reselling them for much, much more. There's not much difference in paying $100 for something and paying $10 for something, if you're going to sell it for $10,000 or $100,000.

I've made a living buying and selling domain names and 100$ is a fine price in many cases. I've had days where I've registered 100+ names... if I could get decent liquidity at $100/each, I would be a happy man. 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…

Isn't this squatting? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Re: Today I created a site where you can post your unused domain names

#23

Post by consultutah » Sat, Jul 17, 2010, 5:50 PM UTC

greyfade wrote: post #19

consultutah wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You shouldn't have to. Your registrar should allow you to do "domain forwarding" without setting up hosting.

Some registrars charge for the privilege. I know two of mine do.

I'd say it's time to switch. ;-)

Re: Today I created a site where you can post your unused domain names

#24

Post by AmberShah » Sat, Jul 17, 2010, 11:33 PM UTC

PanMan wrote: post #14

Nice idea, but the redirect step is annoying: to do a redirect I first have to setup hosting myself. I'd rather point my dns at your IP, if I wanted to participate.

I don't understand why this is necessary. It's significantly more work for me to just get started and I do t particularly want to have my domains pointing there, for dubious value. I'd much rather just list it, like on flippa.

Re: Today I created a site where you can post your unused domain names

#25

Post by ohashi » Sun, Jul 18, 2010, 5:53 AM UTC

Jake541 wrote: post #22

ohashi wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've made a living buying and selling domain names and 100$ is a fine price in many cases. I've had days where I've registered 100+ names... if I could get decent liquidity at $100/each, I would be a happy man. 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…

Isn't this squatting? Correct me if I'm wrong.

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)