Yald Patrick Grote's Blog

Why are domain names so addictive

I must own over 30 domain names. 8 are probably the only ones used on a regular basis. 5 of those are used each day. Why do people buy domain names and let them sit around? You can't let me on eBay or Go Daddy without taking the credit card away.

I think there are five reasons people continue to buy domain names they know they'll never use:

1. Future development: This is probably the number one reason people continue to buy domain names they don't need. They'll have grand plans for a site, but they never get around to it. Whether it's time or money, the site is never built and the domain name goes unused.
2. Protection of ideas: You're in the shower or driving and have an awesome idea for a new website. You run some names, find something you like and register it. You never go back to it.
3. Future sale:The election, olympics, insert significant date here, is coming up. I should register this domain name to make some money. The problem is no one wants it.
4. Current revenue: Site X just died and the domain name lapsed. It has a decent pagerank and some traffic. You buy it, put up some content and ads. Win, except for when people quit coming to the site and you drop out of Google.
5. Coolness: I can't believe that name isn't registered yet. How cool would it be to have this name? I have to get it before someone else gets as cool as I am.

The problem most people talk about is time. Not enough time to develop their sites. Some others say it's timing. Who knows. What I do know is that once a domain name has been owned for two years it's harder to *NOT* renew it, as you now think there is value. False value, but value none the less.

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