CompanySucks.com domains

[BorderPatrol]

Hello,

I recently acquired a CompanyNameSucks.com type of name from a drop. The company in question is a fairly large retailer.

I was wondering what the current climate is for these types of domains. I did some research before purchasing this name and found out these types of domains are considered Free Speech provided that they:

• Are not meant to confuse the visitor to the main site
• Are not meant to generate revenue
• Express and personal opinion

This is my goal for the site. I wish to let customers sound off on their grievances and help them figure out the best way to resolve their problems with said company.

Would I still be protected under Free Speech right, or has the climate gotten more hostile to these types of domains? Would I be in the clear provided that I use the name in good faith (relatively speaking)?

Thanks for your replies.

 

[DNQuest.com]

What it comes down to is what can be proven. If any bad faith can be established, then you could lose, if they can't prove it, you could prevail. It comes down to usage.

 

[bluesman]

All sucks-sites clearly show violations in "bad faith" operation, "negative light" portrayal, and names "confusingly similar," etc., a hundred times over.

YET - somehow, in the the late '90s, some ICAAN/WIPO panel judges must have been sneaked some LSD or something, because they started issuing blanket okays to virtually every sucks site in existence!

I've commented on this often over the months, usually regarding cases where WIPO had hassled some little guys and taken away their domains over this or that minor negative use, yet the same domain owner could have much more easily bought an all-out SUCKS-site instead regarding the same subject, and been totally left alone.

The "consumer free speech" slogan has seemingly been allowed to cover a vast multitude of sins in this area. I have to doubt, however, that the major corporations are just going to sit still for this jazz very much longer, however.

 

[GF]

Would putting Adsense ads on a CompanySucks.com or PersonSucks.com get you in trouble?

 

[evertonian7uk]

Would putting Adsense ads on a CompanySucks.com or PersonSucks.com get you in trouble?

yes, because your nolonger just voicing your concerns of said company, but advertising and making money from there name, you could also be advertising there competitors via adwords or whatever, this is a definat no no

 

[Ronald Regging]

I am the new owner of TigerDirectSucks.com. Unfortunately my life has been hectic lately, so I haven't been able to do much in the way of development. That is definitely something I want to work on in the near future though. There is a basic blog, people can leave comments and such... But as I said when I purchased the domain, I'm not looking to profit from this in any way. I'm not looking for TD to come and make me an offer for the domain, because it's not for sale. What price can you put on freedom of speech? So really, my only purpose is to allow people to voice their opinions and be heard.

It's absolutely amazing though how many people comment about how my site is actually a part of an insidious plot perpetrated by TD. As in, they own the site and are trying to make it look like a legitimate Sucks site. I'm not sure to what end, but hell if that isn't some paranoid thinking. So assuming that TD can make people this crazy, I think theres something there that should be explored through collective means.

Now I just need to actually develop it more.

 

[Dave_Z]

Now I just need to actually develop it more.

Hmm, maybe their comments can give you a few ideas how? :D

 

[GF]

yes, because your nolonger just voicing your concerns of said company, but advertising and making money from there name, you could also be advertising there competitors via adwords or whatever, this is a definat no no

Thanks for your reply.

So, is the purpose of developing a CompanySucks.com site more for personal reasons as opposed to generating revenue?

 

[Jeffler]

Lets see.

I'm a 16 year old student.
I created McCabeSucks.com, to make fun of Bryan McCabe at the height of the McCabe hate in Toronto.
I got the lead article in the Sunday Toronto Sun, read by about 1.5 million people.
My site spread like wildfire.

And yet, no contact at all from the McCabe Family, or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I'd assume your small site is alright.

 

[GF]

Mine is about the CEO of a major financial institution.

 

[HuntingMoon]

very high risk imho

 

[Timewarp]

Mine is about the CEO of a major financial institution.

Great, besides TM issues you also have slander to worry about.
Plus even if he has no case he probably still has the resources and motivation to drag your to court and cost you thousands.
Why would you waste time with this?

 

[psalzmann]

I am the new owner of TigerDirectSucks.com. Unfortunately my life has been hectic lately, so I haven't been able to do much in the way of development. That is definitely something I want to work on in the near future though. There is a basic blog, people can leave comments and such... But as I said when I purchased the domain, I'm not looking to profit from this in any way. I'm not looking for TD to come and make me an offer for the domain, because it's not for sale. What price can you put on freedom of speech? So really, my only purpose is to allow people to voice their opinions and be heard.

It's absolutely amazing though how many people comment about how my site is actually a part of an insidious plot perpetrated by TD. As in, they own the site and are trying to make it look like a legitimate Sucks site. I'm not sure to what end, but hell if that isn't some paranoid thinking. So assuming that TD can make people this crazy, I think theres something there that should be explored through collective means.

Now I just need to actually develop it more.

Please develop it quickly. I've been burned twice now on their whole "rebate". I've never received any money back, purchased thousands of dollars worth of equipment and have always submitted the rebate card the day I received the shipment.

I've been reading too many horror stories about TD and this information needs to be out there. I'd be honored to share my story on your upcoming site. I'm not the only one being scammed. In fact, it's well known their rebate partner is actually a sister-site of TD. Go figure!

 

[GF]

Great, besides TM issues you also have slander to worry about.

No TM issues. Slander is SPOKEN. You mean libel, or defamation.

Opinions cannot be deemed true nor false, which means you cannot be found guilty of libel or defamation.

Why would you waste time with this?

Why do people make CompanySucks.com sites? To tell the world about a crappy experience(s) or to expose them for things they have done.

 

[Ronald Regging]

Please develop it quickly. I've been burned twice now on their whole "rebate". I've never received any money back, purchased thousands of dollars worth of equipment and have always submitted the rebate card the day I received the shipment.

Yeah, I have a lot of free time lately so I may end up working on that this week. It'll give me something to do if I get bored. I'll probably end up switching it over to Joomla and add forums and all that fun stuff.

 

[mozzeratti]

It's absolutely amazing though how many people comment about how my site is actually a part of an insidious plot perpetrated by TD. As in, they own the site and are trying to make it look like a legitimate Sucks site. I'm not sure to what end, but hell if that isn't some paranoid thinking. So assuming that TD can make people this crazy, I think theres something there that should be explored through collective means.

Now I just need to actually develop it more.

Those who comment probably think it's a conspiracy of sorts.
*Say companyxyz.com is a fairly large company with many grievances from their customers
....bad sentiment just floating out there in webspace, waiting to find a "permanent addresss".
*companyxyz.com is well aware of the companysucks.com phenomenon.
*companyxyz.com knows that it's just a matter of time.
**Why not take this huge potential for consolidated negatives OFF the table?

Sure someone could create another variation of a company sucks site
eg conpanyxyzREALLYsucks.com ...but it would never have the same potential for natural traffic.
(PayPalsucks.com appears to be one of the more higher trafficked)
AND yes, people can still complain elsewhere...but why make it easier for them to be an "angry mob" by leaving your companynamesucks.com there as a VENUE for the disgruntled?
Especially when you could register it and just let it sit there undeveloped.

NOTE: I am not insinuating that YOU are part of the company or any possible conspiracy...
(Nor do I have any complaint...I've never even dealt with TG myself)

 

[Timewarp]

Good thinking mozeratti, owning their own sucks site would also allow them to do things like post minor complaints to look legit but hide the major complaints.

Ive heard alot about the TD rebate scams for years now, I dont get why people who have been burned keep going back for more.

 

[mozzeratti]

Good thinking mozeratti, owning their own sucks site would also allow them to do things like post minor complaints to look legit but hide the major complaints.

EXACTLY!

Ive heard alot about the TD rebate scams for years now, I dont get why people who have been burned keep going back for more.

Not sure. Do they? If so, perhaps they just give them the benefit of doubt the first time.
For me, it doesn't take getting burned twice...but for instance, when I learned my lesson about 1and1's "re-registration" fees, it was just one event (purchase)...but a huge one!
That would be enough for me to give them a less than positive review.
I'll admit though, I've never sought out the 1and1sucks.com site...till now, and wouldn't you know it...it says "coming soon"...yep, very soon...since 2006! :lala:
:

 

[.Andy]

I was a fan of Tiger Direct, until they tried to sue me for thousands of dollars for owning TigerDirectSucks_com

It's not worth the time, money or hassle.

Just don't register those domains!

But then again remember as long as you are not generating money you should be fine.

REGFLY would of sued registerflie if they could. Its freedom of speach

 

[Ronald Regging]

Just wanted to give an update on TigerDirectSucks.com. I have switched it over to Joomla and added forums. The site is still very basic, but the forums should be working at least. I'll try to add more content throughout the week as I get reacquainted with Joomla.

So, if anyone has had any bad experiences with TD, please join the site and post in the forums.

 

[Idees]

It looks great! Nice work, I'm sure people will start posting soon enough.

So, if anyone has had any bad experiences with TD, please join the site and post in the forums.