January 9, 2012
An increasing number of high profile people are finding others have registered their name as a domain.
Latest to fall victim is former US Republican Senator Chuck Hagel; who has been selected by President Barack Obama for the role of Secretary of Defense.
Unfortunately for Mr. Hagel, some who oppose his selection have registered his name and are using the site to put forward their views on the situation.
While most of us won't become famous or controversial; that doesn't mean we won't be subject to the activities of mischievous parties or those with an axe to grind. Even if there is legal recourse, that can be an expensive, stressful and time consuming exercise.
Also, most of us don't have entirely unique names - so there will always be likely potential "competition". Add to that an increasing number of parents registering domain names for their children - some before they are even born - and personal name domains are fast becoming hot property.
Prime real estate in the world of domain names is .com - but securing a personal name .com is becoming difficult as so many have already been taken. For Australians, a .com.au domain name can be just as good or perhaps even better as it has a visible Aussie connection; but you'll need to have an ABN or some sort of other business registration as .com.au is reserved for commercial activities.
All is not lost though; there is an Australian extension specifically for Aussie citizens - .id.au. Available for personal use by Australian residents and citizens; id.au names can't be registered for commercial applications; they are purely for personal and hobby purposes.
We never know what tomorrow brings; so perhaps start your personal domain name search right now - secure your online identity before someone else who has the same name as you decides to!
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How to register a name: Enter your choice in the search tool and click 'GO'. If after the check the domain names search results show your choice is available, you will then have the option to proceed to purchase registration; which is a very quick and easy process - start a search and find your ideal website address now.
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