debate Ethical issue that I need help with

[noneisnone]

so i can purchase two domains related to cancer medicine(not to cure but to help with the pain) but is it really ethical and moral to profit of something like this or even worst someone could use it to sell a scam medicine that does nothing to help.

i guess my question would would you get involved in something like this ? and what type of names you would stay away from in fear of being immoral?

 

[NickB]

People are going to give you their opinions based on their own moral compass, do what you need to do based on yours....simple really

 

[BrandAptly.com]

so i can purchase two domains related to cancer medicine(not to cure but to help with the pain) but is it really ethical and moral to profit of something like this or even worst someone could use it to sell a scam medicine that does nothing to help.

i guess my question would would you get involved in something like this ? and what type of names you would stay away from in fear of being immoral?

You do realize that the domain name cars/com can be used as a front for money laundering, right? Will you refuse an opportunity to own it on those grounds? Every domain has potential to be corrupted...even heaven/com.

 

[noneisnone]

People are going to give you their opinions based on their own moral compass, do what you need to do based on yours....simple really

I can't seem to make a choice to be honest

You do realize that the domain name cars/com can be used as a front for money laundering, right? Will you refuse an opportunity to own it on those grounds? Every domain has potential to be corrupted...even heaven/com.

but the name in it self prays on people that are desperate i guess that's the difference

 

[BrandAptly.com]

but the name in it self prays on people that are desperate i guess that's the difference

Aaahhh, but you don't think any of the people visiting heaven/com are desparate, especially during the current socioeconomic climate?

The domain can either be used to exploit patients of the ailment or used to offer education and assistance for them. It all depends on the hands in which it falls.

 

[noneisnone]

Aaahhh, but you don't think any of the people visiting heaven/com are desparate, especially during the current socioeconomic climate?

The domain can either be used to exploit patients of the ailment or used to offer education and assistance for them. It all depends on the hands in which it falls.

alright that makes sense now another question would it effect the time i would be able to sell the domain if i ask the buyer what they would with it or even worst try to verify what exactly will happen with the domain is it even possible to make sure what will happen with it ?

 

[BrandAptly.com]

alright that makes sense now another question would it effect the time i would be able to sell the domain if i ask the buyer what they would with it or even worst try to verify what exactly will happen with the domain is it even possible to make sure what will happen with it ?

You have to decide whether you're in the moral policing business or the domaining business. You seem to be having a conflict of interest.

If you sell bread knives, imagine what it will take to run a background check on all your buyers to make sure they are not serial killers.

 

[noneisnone]

You have to decide whether you're in the moral policing business or the domaining business. You seem to be having a conflict of interest.

If you sell bread knives, imagine what it will take to run a background check on all your buyers to make sure they are not serial killers.

i guess your right in that aspect but i personally choose to pass on it
thanks for the advice

 

[ResoluteDomains]

If any domain is used in a nefarious manner then it should be reported to abuse@<registrar>.com or whatever abuse / legal department the registrar has as the domain name would likely be violating the TOS with that registrar. You can also go to the authorities.

Point - if you sell a domain name and eventually come across it trying to do harm to people then you simply report the domain name as per above. Dont allow it to stop you from engaging in commerce.

IMO

 

[Name Trader]

You have to be sure the domain(s) are not infringing on a drug company's copyright/trademark. Else it's fair game. IMHO.

 

[Rich]

so i can purchase two domains related to cancer medicine(not to cure but to help with the pain) but is it really ethical and moral to profit of something like this or even worst someone could use it to sell a scam medicine that does nothing to help.

i guess my question would would you get involved in something like this ? and what type of names you would stay away from in fear of being immoral?

I haven't bought many orgs lately because I felt there's no worse feeling than deciding between two nonprofits. I understand not wanting to profit from people in pain, but Aptly is right like my boss said to me, it's just business. I'm not saying put your feelings aside, we need more domainers like you that actually care and can lead by example.

 

[noneisnone]

You have to be sure the domain(s) are not infringing on a drug company's copyright/trademark. Else it's fair game. IMHO.

it is a broad name i doubt it could even be trademarked but in that case if it was what would happen ? generally speaking i never dealt with a domain that was trademarked

I haven't bought many orgs lately because I felt there's no worse feeling than deciding between two nonprofits. I understand not wanting to profit from people in pain, but Aptly is right like my boss said to me, it's just business. I'm not saying put your feelings aside, we need more domainers like you that actually care and can lead by example.

yeah i guess there is no right or wrong answer here you can look at it in so many different ways @NickB hit it on the head seems like it depends on your own moral compass there is no general rule for this

If any domain is used in a nefarious manner then it should be reported to abuse@<registrar>.com or whatever abuse / legal department the registrar has as the domain name would likely be violating the TOS with that registrar. You can also go to the authorities.

Point - if you sell a domain name and eventually come across it trying to do harm to people then you simply report the domain name as per above. Dont allow it to stop you from engaging in commerce.

IMO

every registry have there own TOS ? is it generally the same ? also i doubt that any TOS can dictate whats taking advantage of people lets say i have a herbal medicine that am selling to cancer Patients claiming that it will help with pain how can the registry dictate that it is not helping or it is helping

 

[The Durfer]

If it wasnt for the business of medical corporations or pharmaceuticals we couldnt help or heal anyway. i dont think its a moral issue as much as a pricing issue.

 

[BrandAptly.com]

I haven't bought many orgs lately because I felt there's no worse feeling than deciding between two nonprofits. I understand not wanting to profit from people in pain, but Aptly is right like my boss said to me, it's just business. I'm not saying put your feelings aside, we need more domainers like you that actually care and can lead by example.

I'm not by any means suggesting he shouldn't care. I'm encouraging him to be practical. If he came asking for advice on buying a .org to set up a nonprofit to swindle starving children in Africa, it would elicit an entirely different response from most people. This is a situation where he's worried about what someone else might do.

As domainers, we are merely agents. Good real estate agents don't worry about whether the house they are selling may be used as a meth lab or to raise a happy family.

Simply provide the best service you possibly can to your customers and hope that they have the decency to pay it forward. That is all you can realistically afford to care about.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Many relevant comments already made. I am glad to see a discussion around ethical issues.

I think most domain names can be used in ways we never imagined, and it is too high a standard to say that the owner, or indeed registry/registrar, can be responsible for all future use of domain names. That said, obviously some names should never see the light of registration.

So something that offers pain relief is not, by itself, unethical to hold and sell in my mind. I mean daily the big pharma companies spend money on naming new products, and I would not think someone who sold them a brandable name is doing anything unethical.

That said, you say that you are sort of pulled both ways.I think what that is telling you is that for you these are not the right names to hold. Most of the time when we have nagging doubts, best to not go there, whether it is in hiring, domain acquisitions, or anything else in everyday life. There is a universe of domain possibilities, I would go on to ones where there are no doubts in your mind, @noneisnone.

Best wishes,

Bob

 

[BrandPlease]

OK, couple things to keep in mind outside of the morality. AND, if you are looking to sell a brand into a long established medical niche - I don't see an issue.

It get's scammy when you are perceived as trying to take advantage of something scary - that would cause people to basically turn your name into a lottery ticket - because of that awful happening at that time only. cancer and cancer research has been and will be here to stay, unfortunately.

All that aside, if you are not confident in what you are selling - it's not worth it and move on to something that you feel pride in promoting. If you don't feel good about your product, that come through in sales. There are too many niches to get hung up.

A good rule - if you have to think for more then a few seconds or find your self making convincing arguments to yourself - just leave it be. Good Luck

 

[Simpsonrocket]

I love this thread. Thanks for posting op.
As for me I stay away from pornographic names alcoholic and cannabis stuff. I don't sell what I can't buy for my own use.

 

[noneisnone]

@BrandPlease @Bob Hawkes i rather stay away like you said when there is a conflict within if i buy a domain and once you add the ethical aspect to it i just don't see a reason to get involved anymore i guess i needed someone to assure me it was alright to pass on such an opportunity i doubt i could convince someone to buy a domain from me when I'm not sure if i should be selling it in the first place

I'm not by any means suggesting he shouldn't care. I'm encouraging him to be practical. If he came asking for advice on buying a .org to set up a nonprofit to swindle starving children in Africa, it would elicit an entirely different response from most people. This is a situation where he's worried about what someone else might do.

As domainers, we are merely agents. Good real estate agents don't worry about whether the house they are selling may be used as a meth lab or to raise a happy family.

Simply provide the best service you possibly can to your customers and hope that they have the decency to pay it forward. That is all you can realistically afford to care about.

it was a .com not an org i don't see how that could change the outlook on it

I love this thread. Thanks for posting op.
As for me I stay away from pornographic names alcoholic and cannabis stuff. I don't sell what I can't buy for my own use.

thanks and I'm the same way i rather stay away from adult content and gambling