I have just registered a .org.uk domain with a very generic term, let's say "ShoppingDiscounts.org.uk" for the purposes of this example (it isn't that one).
An affiliate owns both the .co.uk and .com and has an established site on these.
Am I wrong to create a blog on the .org.uk and link to my own 'Shopping Discounts' site which has more of a brand name?
I wouldn't even think of doing this if it was a brand name, but for a very generic term...
Well theres no rules about doing it, and if you don't do it then someone else will. Domain names are getting so oversubscribed now that there is a lot of "sharing" going on.
It's really down to you whether you feel happy doing it or not.
That's always a tricky one, chances are if you stick around affiliate marketing long enough you'll meet the owner of the other domains so I'd probably tell them up front and see what they say. At the end of the day there are no rules but I peronally wouldn't do it to another affiliate.
It's a personal ethical choice but in legal terms generic terms are free for everyone to use. The established site should have registered .org.uk too if they were going to get worried about it, but I doubt they are that bothered.
I'd say its not a good idea as if you're wanting to create a high-traffic site you could loose traffic to the affiliate on the type-in stakes.
I still think that there are enough domains to go around without using the same domain but with different extensions.
It's up to you though. Are you likely to stand next to them in the toilets at the next G2G?
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By the very fact that you've asked the question, I'd suggest it wouldn't sit with your conscience. If that's true then why not contact the owner and talk them through your plans/thoughts? It may be that you can mutually benefit from a two-pronged approach.
Domain Name Ethics?
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