Domain Squatting Explained

The only thing that bothers me the most in terms of domain names is when trying to find a domain name for a new site only to find most of the names that come with are already taken. Even more annoying is that these names are not used for a site that refers to the domain name.

Domain squatting or cyber squatting is the term used for those who register a domain with the intention of using it, which would otherwise be used for a site related to the domain name.

Let me give an example, I recently got an idea for a site and there was a couple of domains that were ideal, keyword1keyword2.com and the plural version, so I checked to see if they were available. I found that both the names that I thought would be perfect were taken. Both domain names have been referred to a generic search page whose sole purpose is to make money out of the direct type ins.

Now I did not give names because I will not give away my idea and I will not give any free advertising sites. This is not a one off incidence but something that happens very often, especially with the domain name with good keywords or popular. This activity is not illegal unless you use a trademark name, but it is against the ethics of what the internet is about.

There is a difference between domain squatting and domain parking and that the difference is intent. If you register your domain with the intention of future use for a purpose related to the domain name, then you have just parked the domain. If you register a domain with the sole intention of making money from reselling or getting revenue from people typing the domain name, then that is domain squatting.

As I explained that it is not illegal is only morally wrong, it's a free market economy and people are motivated by profit. I disagree with the domain squatting as it forces webmasters like me to use domain names that are far from perfect, get this site on domain names, this name was not my first choice. It also deceives Internet users like you expect from a site related to keywords in domain name making the internet less user friendly....