paid xxxx value for domain

[victornumber]

Hi,
I recently paid xxxx value for a domain. The name is great and has over 400+ visitors and ppc is $0.80+/click. However, I learned that the name was dropped and sold last month because the owner didn't renew it. It is probably one of the two largest and most accurate sites in the niche. The owner didn't renew it because he died in January. The other dozon people (all known worldwide in the niche and contributors to the site) tried to get the domain transfered from the decreased but to no avail by contacting the deceased wife to contact the registrar. The name was auctioned off and I ended up buying it from a reseller. I know I can easily flip it for 2-3 times what I paid because of the high ppc ppc rate and large visitor base however it seems that they(all contributors of the site) are still trying to get the name back even after months. I know if I did get sued I would win as its a very generic name however on an ethical and emotional level, I seem to be relectant to sell. Should I contact them to sell for original price? higher price? Rent the name to them? Put my own google adsense on the site and let them redo the site and get a percentage profit? What would you guys do in this case?

 

[Albert Tai]

If i were rich I would actually give the domain back to the deceased wife just because his husband died and it was her property sorta...she didn't know the username and pass.
Its just my belief.

 

[shellyboy911]

Well said Alber Tai. I would give domain back too, if they willing to pay original price.

 

[Soofi]

On an ethical and emotional level, one should do what two gentlemen stated above, However we aint in this business for just these two things.. even if you sell it to someone or back to them with profit WONT be wrong because you are merely doing business in my opinion.. because you initially bought this name with one purpose in mind, and that is PROFIT!!

 

[south]

While it's a moral & ethical issue above all else, I agree that the right thing would be to give it back to the wife. You should be compensated for the costs involved. Keep in mind that if the name was attached to a corporation / tm, etc, you may be forced to give it back anyway if a lawyer gets involved.

 

[gemsergio]

Its pure Karma, if you sell it for a profit it will hunt you down and you will probably end you up broken asking for food and money. Sell it for what you paid for and move on.

 

[Vinnee]

Two ways of looking at it. You can sell for a high price, send her compensation OR keep it and provide some type of compensation (maybe). Keep in mind that giving it back may not be best since she may have no clue what to do with it. She may sell it just to get rid of it or forget to renew down the road. Keep in mind...it's business and while integrity holds ground...you must grow your business by taking advantage of opportunity.