Domain names as gifts - What do you think?

[Epic]

What do you think of the concept of giving a gift to someone (birthday, Christmas, whatever) in the form of a domain name?

For instance, you could give them their first name in .com, .net, or .org (whichever is available), and setting up a Wordpress blog for them.

I think there's two extreme reactions to this. Either they'd be totally into it and excited to start their blog, or they'd be intimidated by the "complexity" and be hesitant to do anything with their new site. I don't foresee there being much middle ground. Either they'd love it or hate it.

Has anyone ever given a domain as a gift and what reaction did you get?

 

[Brands]

Good Idea !

 

[siga]

I think it is a great idea myself and have done it once. Was considering a surname .me for a friends wedding (for them both to share but the day was before the open reg........)
Domainmayhem, could you just start by forwarding it to there myspace site link? Get them into it the habit of telling people to check it??? www.myname.tv could be pretty cool and they would at least get some use while building up frinedly traffic for when the get bored of myspace and want therespace :lala:

 

[domainer50]

Gen X and Y'ers are used to using technology and have grown up with the Internet as a regular part of everyday life.

Very true. I was actually at a graduation party not to long ago, and the parents of the grad were handing out business cards, with their sons new website that they had setup for him. I think its pretty cool, but know that Ill never get the experience, simply because my parents know I already own my name But none the less, its a cool idea.

 

[Domagon]

Even many young people, outside of the domainer realm, don't seem to care about having their own domain name - most are used to changing emails / usernames on a regular basis; not seeking a static identity.

With that said, if giving a domain as a gift, it's often best to put in your own domain admin / reseller account, because otherwise, as some have already mentioned, they may forget about it and/or not want to pay the renewal fee and thus let it expire.

Ron

 

[coast]

I've registered names for family members, and everyone has thought it was pretty cool. I don't expect them to do a thing, and I expect I will be the one paying renewals on it at least until the kids are old enough to do something with them.

 

[FPForum]

Good idea Epic. My father gave me my first domain a while back. Ever since then my christmas list always contains (renewal of xxxxxx.net)

although i agree with some of the others..if they aren't into the whole cyber world they may not do anything with it and just let it drop.
What if you included a small word document or something with some basic instructions on how to add posts..etc.

 

[domainer50]

Good idea Epic. My father gave me my first domain a while back. Ever since then my christmas list always contains (renewal of xxxxxx.net)

although i agree with some of the others..if they aren't into the whole cyber world they may not do anything with it and just let it drop.
What if you included a small word document or something with some basic instructions on how to add posts..etc.

When it comes down to it. You can included instructions and what not, but if the person is not truly interested, it wont pass the test of time. Maybe its updated daily, for a month, then falls off, or whatever the case may be. But to the person who truly is happy with the gift, and willing to go out and learn. It would make an awesome present, that could potentially earn you more than what the present was originally worth.