SnapNames Public Auctions +Parking!?

[Ben42]

Got this email from snapnames and yes it's true, you can bid on names some starting for just $9.

Thing is, if you type in one of those names on auction they are parked with all the links of a normal parking page. So whats the deal? They can park the names and test their traffic for free and then set a starting bid? I think they are now, overnight, the largest parker of privately owned domain names. Aren't these names supposed to be expired? Why are they allowed to park expired domains?

I dunno, NetSol and Snapnames are up to something...seems unethical to me.

To Our Valued Customers:

SnapNames offers the world's largest source of expired and deleting domain names. Working directly with the largest business-focused registrars, we offer exclusive, priority access to thousands of new high-traffic, brandable and investment-grade domain names every day.

Now, SnapNames is proud to introduce Public Auctions, an additional service to the existing Private Auctions, and designed to help you profit from value-priced domains.

These Public Auctions now give you exclusive access to a large new supply of domain names, starting at a much lower minimum bid, in a format that allows you to join at any time. Public Auction features include:

-Join at any time — advance ordering is not required
-Low minimum bids — many start at just $9!
-Familiar SnapNames auction rules
-Many thousands of new domain names are added daily

 

[Lasher]

What isn't unethical in this business? The whole thing is crooked and almost all registrars have massively conflicting interests between providing their users with quality domain name registration services and selling off their domains a year later for a nice profit after a half-hearted attempt or two to contact them. When drop catchers hold domains for a few days to look for traffic it is called "domain tasting", when registrars take names rather than letting them drop to the open market, park them, and sell to the highest bidder, it is called "providing a backorder service".

 

[Kenny]

What isn't unethical in this business? The whole thing is crooked and almost all registrars have massively conflicting interests between providing their users with quality domain name registration services and selling off their domains a year later for a nice profit after a half-hearted attempt or two to contact them. When drop catchers hold domains for a few days to look for traffic it is called "domain tasting", when registrars take names rather than letting them drop to the open market, park them, and sell to the highest bidder, it is called "providing a backorder service".

Sad but true.

The question is... why do we stand for it?

Peace,
Cyberian

 

[Dave_Z]

And who's to say what's ethical or not?

 

[Matrix1976]

Sad but true.

The question is... why do we stand for it?

Peace,
Cyberian

Because we dont have the immediate power to stop it...

 

[Ben42]

Well, we would have to join forces, then we would have power.

It'd be tough though.

 

[Kenny]

After coming off a couple of posts in NP related to these very points brought up in this thread, I decided to re-open this discussion.
From Ben42's OP, the topic leads us to why are we here, posting in DNOA Forum.

I know why I joined. From the very start I saw this as the catalyst to bringing enough single minded Domainers under the same roof for the specific purpose of IMPOSING change within our Industry.

To build a fellowship of honesty, intregrity and trust amonst ourselves, showing who we are and what we are about. That business can be carried out and profits earned without someone having to lose. That win/win practices will pay higher dividends over the long run.

It can be done, but it takes the willingness to work now for the results that will come down the road. How far down the road depends on us.

Lets see how this plays out... how many are here for the cool seal and what we have to offer, and how many believe something must be done and are not afraid to be part of it.

Peace,
Cyberian