BusinessWeek and Kerry Miller's Attack

BusinessWeek and Kerry Miller's Attack

Is BusinessWeek guilty of libel? You decide.

This uninformed rookie reporter has labeled all domainers as “Cybersquatters. ” In the story she boarders on libel as she accuses the owner of fave.com (Reflex Publishing) of being a “CyberSquatter.” I wrote the following note to Ms. Miller. I hope other domain owners will also write notes. Keep them factual and thoughtful. Her email address is kerry_miller@businessweek.com

Hello Ms. Miller,

I just finished reading your article "Does your success hinge on a domain name."

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/aug2007/sb20070813_986517.htm?campaign_id=rss_smlbz

As President and CEO of the World Association of Domain Name Developers Inc, that produces the T.R.A.F.F.I.C. trade shows, (http://www.targetedtraffic.com) I must take issue with your name calling. Just because an investor owns many domain names does not make him a "Cybersquatter." That is a NASTY thing to call somebody that has done nothing wrong. His domains do not violate anyone's trademark. He has not stolen the domain. He has not done anything but purchased the domain in a legal manner. Calling him a "Cybersquatter" insinuates he has done something wrong. He has not and you should correct your story to reflect that.

Thanks for your time!

Regards,

Rick Schwartz

Btw, Elliot Silver on his blog today shows an interesting angle. Seems the REAL cybersquatter is the company that wants the Fave.com domain name. Time to push back folks. Time to set the record straight. Write Miller. Write the editor. Don't let them slide.

Have a GREAT day!
Rick Schwartz

UPDATE 3PM: Businessweek and Ms. Miller have CHANGED "Cybersquatter" to "Speculator." Way to go!!

 

Comments

[Don]

She just needs a story and will write anything like 90% of the reporters.

I sold a very good name to reflex in Dec 2004 for xxx,000 they are from cybersquaters. Happy they bought it from good deal for both of us at the time.

[David V]

Rick,
Thanks for pointing out the Businessweek article and it's inaccurate portrayal of legit domain owners. I think it's very important for ALL domainers and investors who have a solid grasp on the true value of good domain names to speak up and stand up to all reports and articles that are not written factually nor properly researched. Results will happen when a newspaper, blog, or other media is bombarded with email about their inaccurate reporting. Your post justed proved that we can make a difference and "Push" back against the lies and negative branding against honest business owners and investors. At the end of this "cycle", THEY will lose, we WILL win. Thanks Rick, another great post!
Regards,
David V

[Jon]

Perhaps Kerry Miller is upset because someone already squatted on the perfect domain name for her style of reporting .. http://LazyJournalist.com

[Christian]

Oscar Wilde said "ignorance is bliss" I guess thats only if someone doesn't call you on it. Way to stick up for the industry.

[NK Gurung]

Hello Rick,
Just wondering if you could update me if it is illegal to resell domain names to some interested buyers through ebay, forums, websites etc even if your company is not registered.
What effect does it make to a particular without a company, which I plan to register in the very near future.
As I see thousands of domains on sale at sedo, ebay, afternics, sitepoint and many many more. Are they all considered "Cybersquatters"?
Could you please give me your pro advice coz I'm already in this project and have invested some money to see if it works.

Thanks a lot!

Good Day.