Code of Ethics for Domainers:
A simple guide for new domainers or the ones that need a refresher.
The modern day gold rush can easily lead someone to drop their, otherwise well developed, common sense and ethics in an attempt to find a nugget that can turn them into retirees, practically overnight.
While some have done just that, the majority of us, will remain in the working world, collecting, developing, parking and/or flipping domains for a side income, hobby or full time – without becoming rich.
Whichever your situation, as a new domainer or old time pro, consider to adhere to a Code of Ethics for Domainers:
1, Registering Domain Names
Register Domain Names that are free and clear of illegal actions.
Generally, stay from anything illegal, any domain that depicts or describes, solicits, entertains, imagines and/or encourages an illegal act.
- Child pornography
- Rape & Abuse
- Drugs & Drug abuse
- Scams & How to Scam
Exceptions: Domain names that depict any of the above, MUST be developed and used as COUNTERMEASURE to discourage any illegal behavior.
Why development? If you don’t develop an ethically challenged domain, you’re automatically opening yourself up to accusations to cater to and profit from, the illegal element.
2, Trademark Domains & Cybersquatting
Yes, some companies do not adhere to the latest standards of marketing and may have forgotten to register a domain name that depicts their company name, product name or distinct service.
If you happen to run into such a company and you feel the urge to register the domain name you just discovered, DON’T do it, unless:
- You verified that there is no existing trademark (TM) – go to: www.uspto.gov and search!
- You contacted the company, pointed out their oversight and asked whether you can register the domain in question. If yes – keep their answer on file. If no – Don’t do it.
If you registered a domain name that is protected, you are opening yourself up to legal action – obviously not a good thing.
- If you find yourself owning a TM'd Domain, either drop the domain from your portfolio, or contact the company and offer the domain for a free transfer. The latter may be challenged as the company may still come after you for previous usage of their TM'd name.
- Read the Legal Section of Namepros.com. There are tons of answers that WILL help you in your quest of avoiding conflicting Domain Name registrations. http://www.namepros.com/legal-issues-and-disputes/
Cybersquatting – the “art” of registering a protected domain names and profiting from them. Also reserved for common misspellings of otherwise registered and TM’d names.
There’s a difference between a generic term like “refinance” being misspelled to “reefinance” and “Microsoft” being misspelled as “Mikrosoft” – you get the idea.
Celebrity domains? Again, read the NP Legal Section - your answers are there. In a nutshell though, a celebrity name is a TM'd name in it's own right, as the celebrity can also be considered a brand.
Many companies and celebrities are known to aggressively protect their brand, which includes going after Domain Name owners that registered a domain that is confusingly similar to their brand name.
3, Domain Name Sales:
Before you start banking the funds for your early retirement, when you posted your domain for sale, did you adhere to the following?
- Posted the correct Domain Name? (spelled correctly and WITH the extension)
- Posted ACCURATE and UNEDITED traffic screen shots? (if traffic is claimed)
- Posted ACCURATE and UNEDITED revenue screen shots? (if revenue is claimed)
- Provided registration date, ACTUAL age and Registrar?
- Provide secure handling of the sale? To keep yourself and the buyer safe
- Did not add x% to the sales price to cover your PayPal fees? It’s against PayPal TOS.
4, Developed Sites Sales:
In addition to #3 Domain Name Sales:
- Are you providing the files for the developed site?
- Are you providing install services?
- Are you letting potential buyers know how much drive space is needed?
The bottom line to any and all domain name registrations, domain name sales or developed site sales is simple: Be honest about your intentions and product. The one that thing that can make or break you in this industry is your reputation.
Many domainers, whether they are sellers, buyers or developers have a reputation where others are willing to almost buy blind folded. Others will be questioned or cannot make a sale due to their reputation – no matter the quality of product they are offering.
In the end it doesn’t matter under which group you fall, many domainers are in a blended environment of registering, buying, selling and developing – ALWAYS do your due diligence before you make a move.
Welcome to the domain world – enjoy the ride!
M.
This is an open thread - please feel free to add on to it.
Please keep a format:
#4 Developed Sites
- ...your add on ....
then add your comment as to why you would consider it ethically correct to adhere to your added point.
