ri.sk

[brian1234]

Hi,

I'd be grateful for your opinions on ri.sk

(Slovakian TLD).

Thank you,

[Bill Roy]

It is definately a great 'hack'. It is short and easily memorable, obviously has a huge potential for branding in many different market niches. The number of hacks being sold is increasing, it does take work though, you have to find a forward thinking end-user, preferably in a swamped market (the end-user might use the domain or simply hold it to prevent a competitor from using it).

From my experience and knowledge this could sell to an end-user at $xx,xxx range, perhaps high end if your negotiating skills are up to it or lower if not!

Definately a top notch hack.

[brian1234]

Definately a top notch hack.

Thanks very much for your kind appraisal Billbo, I remember your username from some years ago, and thought at that time that you were well "ahead of the game" re: domain hacks, so your thoughts mean a lot to me.

People will disagree with me on this, but I think that the "dot" is important in a name hack and if it can help to illustrate the domain (visually) then it will add to the value and perception of what may become a valuable domain brand. With fig.ht, for example, you could design a great logo where the "dot" is significantly enlarged, and looks like a circular fist; thereby illustrating the "fight" premise, and showing the user that the hack is not some (cheap) alternative, but a highly creative brand that works well...

With ri.sk, I can see that the "dot" could be a car wheel (dev. use car insurance?) or a casino chip (dev. use gambling) or perhaps a generic coin (dev. use stocks/investment).

n.b. If anyone has a negative opinion about ri.sk, based on a reason other than "I just don't like domain hacks", then i'd really love to hear it

Cheers,

[katherine]

n.b. If anyone has a negative opinion about ri.sk, based on a reason other than "I just don't like domain hacks", then i'd really love to hear it

I have one: until the restrictions on .sk are relaxed, you can only sell to Slovakians. Limited market for a niche domain.

[brian1234]

I have one: until the restrictions on .sk are relaxed, you can only sell to Slovakians. Limited market for a niche domain.

Sounds plausible, but that's where a "local presence" service
with a trustee contract comes in to play...

[Acro]

$20k to a startup.

[brian1234]

$20k to a startup.

Thanks Acro, appreciate it.

[SiberForum]

Very nice domain name here and very creative approach for the domain name registration.
The problem could be: this domain name could be sold only to Slovakian?

[brian1234]

The problem could be: this domain name could be sold only to Slovakian?

Hi SiberForum, there is no such requirement for .sk domain names, however there is a requirement that owners use a "local" (Slovakian) address as their contact point. This requirement is easily satisfied with a "local presence" service, who will simply insert their contact details in WhoIs (for the domain) instead of yours.

This is a common requirement for many ccTLD's, and there are currently several international (ICANN reg'd) registrars who offer a ".sk local presence service". These registrars give you a contract or agreement confirming that it is indeed you who owns the domain name, and that they are simply satisfying the local address requirement for you; it is this document, of course, that covers you legally.

Hopefully, that issue is now cleared up, and i'd be grateful to hear about any other type of negative comment you may have re: ri.sk

Cheers,

[katherine]

Sorry but it's not like .de for example where you just need a local admin contact but the holder can reside anywhere.
Since .sk is restricted to Slovakian persons/companies, the domain holder must meet that requirement - in this case the registrar has assumed ownership on your behalf (?) but you don't legally own the domain. It's a one-time arrangement.
It's always ri.sk.y to buy a domain when you can't own it legally

[brian1234]

Sorry but it's not like .de for example where you just need a local admin contact but the holder can reside anywhere.
Since .sk is restricted to Slovakian persons/companies, the domain holder must meet that requirement - in this case the registrar has assumed ownership on your behalf (?) but you don't legally own the domain. It's a one-time arrangement.
It's always ri.sk.y to buy a domain when you can't own it legally

I always appreciate a womans desire to "win an argument at all costs", but I think you need to know when to "troll" threads effectively, and when to keep quiet when there's a danger of being found out...

Do you think it likely that major corporations such as Instra would offer a "local service" for .sk if it wasn't entirely legal?!

As I say, choose your next trolling assignment carefully... the water is always deep when you're trying to convince people about things that you don't know about, and it's particularly foolish to try it in a public forum.

Cheers,

[katherine]

Don't take it personally.
But I am not sure you have a thorough understanding of the rules.
I haven't said Instra was doing something not 'legal', I'm only saying that type of proxy ownership arrangement is not recognized by the registry.
If you are not the legal holder of the domain, you better pray your strawman will always be faithful.
My point is, any sword of Damocles hanging over your ownership rights will reflect negatively on the ultimate value of the domain.
If you have doubts contact the registar and ask them if your scheme to circumvent the rules is okay.
I apologize for bursting your bubble, I thought you wanted a honest appraisal.

[brian1234]

My point is, any sword of Damocles hanging over your ownership rights will reflect negatively on the ultimate value of the domain.

I would ask what "Sword of Damocles" you are referring to, since a "local service" agreement removes any doubt of ownership, but I won't I will simply leave it there, spare a lady "her blushes", and let you get your final punch in if you want to; with no hard feelings.

For anyone else reading this "trolled" thread, I am still keen to hear your thoughts on the domain name ri.sk!

Cheers,