The Google/Branding topic has clearly generated a lot of
interest and activity on this list. Many thanks to all
those that contributed. I think it is now time to bring
that topic to a close. On to something new:
VeriSign has been in the news of late because of its
controversial SiteFinder service. It works like this:
If you type in a bad .com or .net domain name, instead
of it just failing to resolve, VeriSign puts up a web
page indicating that the domain name is invalid. They
also offer links to valid domain names with similar
spellings, and an opportunity to do a web search.
(Try, for example, http://www.ajstz.com/ )
Doing a web search turns up a listing of sponsored
links (looks like the links might come from Overture, but
I'm not entirely certain), so VeriSign is making money
off of the service.
Since SiteFinder went into effect on September 15,
VeriSign claims it has seen 65 million users, 11
million of which have used the search engine.
ICANN has asked VeriSign to shut the service
down and VeriSign has refused. Meanwhile some
of the other domain registrars have filed
lawsuits against VeriSign claiming VeriSign is
misusing its position as the .com and .net domain
registry to gain an unfair competitive advantage
by intercepting (and profiting) from Internet traffic.
See: http://thewhir.com/marketwatch/god092303.cfm
http://thewhir.com/marketwatch/ver092303.cfm
What do you think about this? Should VeriSign be
allowed to continue this service?
--Cliff
Moderator
Online Advertising Discussion List
http://www.o-a.com
281-480-6300
Received on Wed Sep 24 2003 - 08:58:12 CDT
