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Common misconceptions about Domain Names
There is a lot of information about domain names in the Domain FAQ including in-depth coverage of what you can and cannot do with domain names. This page is designed to supplement rather than replace the FAQ, and you should always turn to the FAQ for more information. That said, here are some of the most common misconceptions about domain names.
1. So when I register a domain name I then own the name?
No, you own the right to use the name for a defined period of time, often 2 years in the first instance. You will have to pay a renewal fee after your initial registration period expires, or face losing control of the domain name. You do not automatically have the right to keep the name forever, although in practice as long as you keep on paying for the name and it does not infringe on somebody's trademark or service mark, it is essentially yours to do what you want with.
2. Do I have to be a US company or resident to register a domain name?
No, Anyone can register a domain name under any of the .com, .net or .org top domains. You don't have to be a US citizen or resident, and you don't have to be registering on behalf of a company either. Some countries impose additional rules on people trying to register domain names under that country's top level domain, for instance that you are only allowed to register one domain name, or that only registered companies can purchase domain names.
If I had to single out the most common misconception of all, I would have to say it's this: "My domain name will make me RICH!"
This is nonsense. Sure, some domain names have sold for very large sums of money, and a few have changed hands for over $1 million, but I estimate over 99% of names offered for sale never find a buyer (you just have to look on eBay or Yahoo! Auctions to see hundreds of examples of unsold names)
This is the reality that most domain name owners refuse to face up to: unless a domain name is truly exceptional or otherwise desirable, it simply will not sell. At the same time, most domain name owners place totally unrealistic prices on their domain names - this encourages the PERCEPTION that all domain names are valuable - but the names are FAILING TO SELL at the prices they are asking! THINK ABOUT THIS!
3. Do I need a website to own a domain name?
No, you can reserve a domain name even if you don't have a website (this is known as domain parking). Later, if you build a website, you can "move" your domain name to the company that is hosting your website.
4. When I register a domain name, do I get a website too?
No, you do not usually get a website along with your domain name. Some domain registrars offer web hosting as an optional extra service, but you don't need to host with your registrar even if you do. The beauty of the domain name system is that you can use the name you registered with just about any web hosting company you like!
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