I’ve been caught and parked…

Sunday, May 18th, 2008 C'est Moi

I’m not a happy bunny, but it is my fault.

The first domain I ever bought was philhancox.co.uk, unsurprisingly because that’s my name. That was two years ago. A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail saying it was due to expire and so I went over to UK-reg where it was registered but, due to the fact I’ve bought every other domain from 123-reg and therefore haven’t visited UK-reg in 2 years, I had forgotten my password.

So I sent a forgot password request and carried on with my work. I didn’t get my password, I didn’t get any more reminder e-mails and I forgot all about it until today and now I find that my site is now parked on Sedo.

There was no content there (as with quite a few of my domains :S), no backlinks or PR so it’s no great loss but obviously it has some sentimental value! Domains is one of the subject areas I’m not too hot on; has my site been caught by a squatter type and then parked until I decide I want it back?

I’ve got a few more domains up for renewal soon but they’re much more valuable so I’m going to make damn sure noone grabs them, and I will be adding all my other domains to my calendar so I get a reminder nice and early. Another lesson learned in affiliate marketing - when you have so many domains floating about, be sure to keep on top of them!

Edit - After a very kind message from Lee via A4U, I’ve learned that my domain has not yet been captured by someone else, merely suspended, explained on Nominet here. I haven’t received an invoice from them though, so I will have to contact them directly to get my domain back. I’m very surprised that it will cost £94 though! :O