Vertical Integration

[domokun]

I've only been in the domain name for a few months (seriously for a few weeks) but in that time I've tried to read as much as possible.

It would seem that (having started at least 10 years too late) all the generic, short, TLA domains are gone, leaving the slighter longer tail domains.

Would you guys recommend, as a noob, that I start buying domains and vertically integrating at the same time?

This is kinda the approach I've started taking. I dont have mega bucks but if I've been buying a domain on 'dog food' for example, then I try and register several domains related to that category

e.g. dogfood.com, cheapdogfood.com, onlinedogfood.com ...

Is this a good strategy, do you think? Or am I just wasting my limited funds?!

[IDEAS4]

think of this as micro real estate. 1. Location is everything, 2. All good names will appreciate, 3. Patience is a virtue, 4. Having cash is always important -

Although compared to buying property in the city, it's a cheap hobby that can bring big rewards if you follow the above rules. But doing this as a business requires real liquidity and the ability to hold on to a name for years until the right price comes along.

I suggest read the papers, try to anticipate new trends (biofuels, green stuff,etc) and buy some inexpensive names you can hold and wait for the world to catch up to you.

Option 2 - chase good names, offer lowball prices and see if someone bites! - just like real estate!

A