14 replies to this topic

[Kevin Pearson]

Hello,
I have been reading the posts on this forum and I really like the input from the community as well as other business owners. So I just joined the forum and posting my first question.
I am in the research/planning phase of starting my own business(on the side until I can build up a portfolio and clients) and my question is concerning domain names. Which would be the best choice; something with cartography in it(kpcartography.com, etc) or something with maps(customized-maps.com, etc)? On the the one hand cartography sounds more professional, but the word maps is more recognizable. I know you're going to ask what my target market is and at this point I honestly don't know yet. I have some ideas, but with each one the question still remains: cartography or maps?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin

[David Medeiros]

Your welcome.


Ok, actually, I think you should avoid long, hard to remember or spell urls. I'd use map over cartography but you could use neither. I wish I had given more thought to my domain name. At the time it reflected what I did, wedding maps. But it is easy to remember.

I'd say the big test is how well your domain name can be verbally communicated and retained. "maps.com" is perfect, "MedeirosCartography.com" not so much. You get the idea.

[Dennis McClendon]

Choose a domain name that's unambigous when spoken over a bad cell phone. Nothing with hyphens, nothing with ambigous possessive S's. Maps is easier than cartography; you'll only talk to two people a week who know how to spell cartography.

[Kevin Pearson]

Choose a domain name that's unambigous when spoken over a bad cell phone. Nothing with hyphens, nothing with ambigous possessive S's. Maps is easier than cartography; you'll only talk to two people a week who know how to spell cartography.

Thanks for the replies. I am leaning toward something with the word mapping in it. Thanks again for the advice.
Kevin

[ProBluesJam]

Generally, the shorter the better, but don't be afraid to be "playful" with the spelling, so long as it's still intelligible. Just make sure you don't pick a spelling that's been done to death (e.g. Flickr, Tumblr). The whole "final r" domain name has gotten old.

Another thing to consider is making sure you can get the Twitter name for your URL as well, so try to keep it under 15 characters (the Twitter maximum).

Also, get a .com if you can, though .net is fine as well. Avoid other TLD's (Top Level Domains).

Edited by ProBluesJam, 17 July 2011 - 12:23 AM.

[Adam Wilbert]

... Just make sure you don't pick a spelling that's been done to death (e.g. Flickr, Tumblr). The whole "final r" domain name has gotten old. ...

For fun, I just checked and cartographr.com is taken. But it's very cryptic and intriguing. It's just a form for uploading... something. For what or whom, or where it goes, I have no idea!

[Dennis McClendon]

Registered to Ryan Schremp, a programmer at Capital Newspapers, Madison, Wis.

[Kevin Pearson]

Thanks for all the inputs. Finally went with forbesmaps.com.

And to Probluesjam: I'll definitely check out your backing tracks the next time I get a chance to jam. I love throwing on some tunes and soloing away to work on scales and modes.

[MapMedia]

Kevin,

For what its worth, using an existing trademark in your domain name can get you a 'Cease and desist" email from the company's lawyer. I received such an email from Intel. three years after registering and using the domain Geointel.com. I opted to not fight and move on to a new domain.

Anyway, best of luck with your endeavor. Chris

[Herb]

Kevin,

For what its worth, using an existing trademark in your domain name can get you a 'Cease and desist" email from the company's lawyer. I received such an email from Intel. three years after registering and using the domain Geointel.com. I opted to not fight and move on to a new domain.

Anyway, best of luck with your endeavor. Chris

What Chris is mentioning is of paramount importance. One of the biggest pains is to start using a domain name and then be forced to change it. This can really slow down one's momentum.

[Kevin Pearson]

Kevin,

For what its worth, using an existing trademark in your domain name can get you a 'Cease and desist" email from the company's lawyer. I received such an email from Intel. three years after registering and using the domain Geointel.com. I opted to not fight and move on to a new domain.

Anyway, best of luck with your endeavor. Chris

What Chris is mentioning is of paramount importance. One of the biggest pains is to start using a domain name and then be forced to change it. This can really slow down one's momentum.

Do i not have a case for this being part of my name (middle name). How can I not use my name for my business?

[Kevin Pearson]

Kevin,

For what its worth, using an existing trademark in your domain name can get you a 'Cease and desist" email from the company's lawyer. I received such an email from Intel. three years after registering and using the domain Geointel.com. I opted to not fight and move on to a new domain.

Anyway, best of luck with your endeavor. Chris

What Chris is mentioning is of paramount importance. One of the biggest pains is to start using a domain name and then be forced to change it. This can really slow down one's momentum.

Do i not have a case for this being part of my name (middle name). How can I not use my name for my business?

By the way I did do a trademark name search for forbes maps and nothing was found.

[Adam Wilbert]

Do you have the business name "Forbes Maps" registered with the state? If not, you can add it to your license as an alternate DBA name to help solidify your use and establish a legitimate paper trail.

[Kevin Pearson]

No I do not have it registered with the state. Are you referring to a business license?

I was going to say that after thinking it over last night as well talking it over with some friends I think it is too close in resemblance and I don't want to worry about any possible legal issues with such a giant as Forbes. I don't want to cave in either, but at the same time I was going to originally go with something else. It is rather difficult selecting a unique name that doesn't infringe on anything.
I thank you guys for bringing this issue up. I would much rather know now than later!

[Dennis McClendon]

I think that's prudent. Back when I was in law school my Patents & Trademarks professor did an article about the right to use one's own surname, but the precedents are not very encouraging. A guy named Taylor can't start a winery with that in the name; a guy named McDonald would be wise not to open a restaurant called that. It would be one thing if Forbes were in a completely different business, but they're in publishing. That's awfully close to mapmaking and likely to cause confusion.