Domain Tasters Beware!

Writing by Nick Stamoulis on Friday, 25 of January , 2008 at 8:23 am

So far it’s just a rumor, but WebProNews is saying that Google is considering a move that will restrict sites less than 5 days old from publishing AdSense ads. I think that would be a good move.

Google has always maintained that it’s function is to keep the search results pure. Well, that isn’t happening, and domain tasting is one reason why.

Domain tasting is the practice of purchasing a domain name for the purpose of testing its ability to earn income by throwing AdSense ads on it. Domain tasters will place ads on new domains within that five-day period and if they make enough money to make it worth their while then, and only then, will they keep the domain for long-term sustainability. If the domain name fails to meet their test for income potential then they drop it. Current rules for domain name registration allow purchasers a five-day grace period in making a decision to keep a domain. That means, effectively, that domain tasters can invest in new domains with “no money down.” If a domain isn’t any good, they’ve invested nothing but the time it takes to throw up AdSense ads and drive traffic to the site.

The practice is controversial and has drawn the ire of many legitimate content producers. If Google does pass the measure it would mean a loss of revenue for the search giant, although a relatively small loss compared to its entire asset portfolio. I for one believe Google should stop funding domain tasters and further would encourage the company to stop allowing AdSense to run on web pages that contain no original content.

If you’re wondering what this has to do with SEO, consider this: It gives love a bad name.

Category: Content Development, Domain Names, SEO

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