When Should You Register a Domain?

I am a self-confessed domain addict. I don’t hide it.
I personally own a very eclectic mix of domains including a .kz (Kazakhstan), but I know that that kind of madness isn’t for everyone!
While catching up on RSS feeds this morning I came across a short piece about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. While most of the press are focussing on their newborns the writer in question had spotted that Ms Jolie, or someone acting for her, had registered a bunch of domains related to the twins.
That’s good going!
It’s never too early to register a domain name. Registering your child’s name, for example, means that they’ll have their own little slice of cyberspace when they’re ready for it.
In the case of the Jolie – Pitt babies it’s a little different, as they were bound to attract plenty of online interest for the next few years, so registering the domains now will save them a lot of headaches (and money) further down the line.
So when should you register a domain?
When you want to. When you can. When you feel that you should.
Worst case scenario, your idea doesn’t blossom and grow and you let the domain expire.

About the Author: Michele Neylon

Known for his outspoken opinions on technology and the Internet, Michele Neylon is the award winning author of several blogs and co-host of the Technology.ie podcast. A thought leader in the Internet community, Neylon is active within ICANN and an expert on policy, security, domains, ICANN, Nominet and Internet Governance. You can stalk him on various social media networks including Twitter and Instagram

6 Comments

Dave Jordan July 15, 2008 at 12:48

Exactly, We’ve been telling people this for ages now and as you say if nothing comes if it, then let it expire. But do be careful that you don’t end up in a Narnia domain situation. http://blog.cadamedia.ie/2008/06/narniamobi/
Michele Neylon July 15, 2008 at 13:00

Dave
Avoiding trademark issues isn’t rocket science 🙂
Michele
Darren July 16, 2008 at 18:04

I have to be cheeky and ask…. Why a .kz?
Michele Neylon July 16, 2008 at 21:17

@Darren
I regged it as an experiment and simply held onto it. At this stage it’s just one of those bizarre things I own 🙂
We’ve registered a very odd collection of ccTLD domains for clients over the last few years. Some of the registries are incredibly easy to work with, while others are an absolute nightmare!
Michele
Darren July 22, 2008 at 14:51

your after tempting me! I might have to find myself a bizarre one too 😛
Michele Neylon July 22, 2008 at 15:09

Bizarre domains are more fun 🙂