WeightLoss.com - This doesn't seem right to me somehow... | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

13 years ago

While I understand what you are talking about, it is pretty much similar to IMers grabbing domain names of weight loss product reviews on Clickbank to write fake reviews promoting that product to earn affiliate commissions.

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mbarty2010

13 years ago

Sorry to step away from the main topic: I own the domain name www. WeightLossWeightGain .com, wonder how much it is worth :-)

Originally Posted by yourreviewer

While I understand what you are talking about, it is pretty much similar to IMers grabbing domain names of weight loss product reviews on Clickbank to write fake reviews promoting that product to earn affiliate commissions.

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Okay, but what if they DO have a weight loss drug that actually works? Or what if they develop one?

You are imposing your beliefs on somebody else's rights to conduct business.

And to say a site on any topic (in an ideal world) would give information on ALL aspects of it just wouldn't work. Also, what you're really asking people to do is advertise for their competitors.

Seriously, take a deep breath, calm down...picture a nice relaxing beach...it'll be alright.

All the best,
Michael

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Sandra Martinez 13 years ago

yes, the keyword contains somehow an authority figure and the owner might use it for selfish purposes.

here is where awareness comes to play... each person has free will and discernment, if they choose to not use them and fall for the trap, it is their choice and their lesson to be learned.

i know it sounds harsh, believe me when I tell you it is not. If someone falls for it and is able to detach from the victim mentality and learn, that person is a step ahead in the real game.
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Alexa Smith

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

It somehow leaves a bad taste in my mouth that such an "important" keyword phrase as this is owned by a drug company, which is offering a drug solution to losing weight.

Heaven forbid that a "good" domain-name should be allowed to be used by someone whose product (unlike most internet marketers' products) has been exposed repeatedly to all the rigours of multi-centre, international, double-blind controlled clinical trials, objectively and independently proven benefits, and various arduous governmental approval, regulatory and licensing procedures. :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Steadyon

it doesn't seem right to me somehow.

These interpretations about what's "right" come down to personal morality and all depend on one's starting assumptions, perceptions and prejudices - mine, just as much as yours, I admit!

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

Basically, whilst doing a bit of research into the huge weight loss market I wondered who owned weightloss.com and how it ranked.

It is owned by a drug/pharmaceutical company called Roche and it ranks on page 2 of google.

(It would be rather easy to get it ranked on page 1 but I am happy it isn't.)

It somehow leaves a bad taste in my mouth that such an "important" keyword phrase as this is owned by a drug company, which is offering a drug solution to losing weight.

I know it is a "free" market and anyone can theoretically buy any dot com etc. but it doesn't seem right to me somehow. But obviously they had the big buck$ to buy it.

I wouldn't have a problem if they owned weightlossdrugs.com as that is what they are selling.

But to give their site visitors such a slanted solution as drugs, when visiting a generic domain such as weightloss.com doesn't seem right to me.

Quite how one would change this I don't know, but I open it up for discussion. There are probably many similar cases.

I am not in favor of government intervention, god knows, we get so much already. But in an ideal world, domain names such as weightloss.com should give information on ALL of the different ways to lose weight, not just by taking some drugs.

I guess the same could be said for many of the most valuable domains, such as bank.com loans.com or carinsurance.com etc...

But at least with those you almost know what you are being offered before you get there. WeightLoss.com just offers a drug solution and that is what makes me mad.

I know, I know, welcome to the real world...

Sam

So, using that same logic, monster.com should only sell monsters.

Sorry, but I'm still having a hard time even grasping how people can think this way. I know you say you're not for government intervention, but that sure sounds like you ARE for some sort of intervention.

Do you really want a third party telling YOU what content you can have on your site based on your domain name?

I sure as heck don't.

All the best,
Michael

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Steadyon

13 years ago

I am humbly asking for opinions on this whole kind of thing. So thanks for your answers so far.

I don't think there is an absolutely clear right or wrong. I pick weightloss.com as an example not so much to do with my beliefs with drugs etc.

If they had a drug that worked I guess that is where trademarks come in and people would come to know it from that name. A bit like viagra for other issues...

I guess I am becoming tired and jaded with false claims, poor solutions, hidden sales tactics, constant hype everywhere.

Planet Earth today. Oh how I yearn for the days of old when life was simpler and there was a "Summer Breeze" and jasmine was blowing through my mind...

Time to toughen up and get a grip I guess.

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

I am humbly asking for opinions on this whole kind of thing. So thanks for your answers so far.

I don't think there is an absolutely clear right or wrong. I pick weightloss.com as an example not so much to do with my beliefs with drugs etc.

If they had a drug that worked I guess that is where trademarks come in and people would come to know it from that name. A bit like viagra for other issues...

I guess I am becoming tired and jaded with false claims, poor solutions, hidden sales tactics, constant hype everywhere.

Planet Earth today. Oh how I yearn for the days of old when life was simpler and there was a "Summer Breeze" and jasmine was blowing through my mind...

Time to toughen up and get a grip I guess.

Perhaps a little light shining through the window will let you know everything's alright.

~M~

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Kay King

13 years ago

I don't think there is an absolutely clear right or wrong. I pick weightloss.com as an example not so much to do with my beliefs with drugs etc.

Put your beliefs on your website - and let others manage their own domains.

Oh how I yearn for the days of old when life was simpler and there was a "Summer Breeze" and jasmine was blowing through my mind..

The world wasn't different - you just didn't know as much about it then.

kay

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Put your beliefs on your website - and let others manage their own domains.

In all cases?

Originally Posted by Kay King

The world wasn't different - you just didn't know as much about it then.

kay

You assume too much

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Kay King

13 years ago

It is interesting that those who are the most judgmental about what others do are the least able to take criticism about their own activity.

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Steadyon 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

It is interesting that those who are the most judgmental about what others do are the least able to take criticism about their own activity.

Who's judging who now? You don't know what my activities are.

I asked for opinions about the scenario I gave, not an attack about my opinions.

Funny how very often things on this site become a little too personal too quickly sometimes.
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LilBlackDress

13 years ago

Just a note...last year I watched a few videos by Brad Callen a well known marketeer. Brad got a very generic widely searched weight loss keyword to position number one in Google when he started out in his career.

He said in the video that though he got tons of traffic for the generic weight loss keyword, it was not buying traffic because it was not targeted enough.

I thought that was really interesting and it has proven to be true for me when I use general vs more specific keywords.

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by LilBlackDress

Just a note...last year I watched a few videos by Brad Callen a well known marketeer. Brad got a very generic widely searched weight loss keyword to position number one in Google when he started out in his career.

He said in the video that though he got tons of traffic for the generic weight loss keyword, it was not buying traffic because it was not targeted enough.

I thought that was really interesting and it has proven to be true for me when I use general vs more specific keywords.

Now that is an interesting observation - thank you.

I know Alexa rankings are not perfect, but I was surprised that weightloss.com ranks only at 339,473 per them.

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Kay King 13 years ago

WeightLoss.com just offers a drug solution and that is what makes me mad.

I think getting mad at something you have no control over is a waste of time. I think arguing what others should be allowed to do - and where they are allowed to it do is judgmental. There is perhaps no niche as highly regulated on what it is allowed to say in advertising as the health niche.

You don't like what I think - that's fine. Nothing personal about it.

kay
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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

Seriously, take a deep breath, calm down...picture a nice relaxing beach...it'll be alright.

and:

Perhaps a little light shining through the window will let you know everything's alright.

~M~

Michael, please don't be quite so condescending even with a

, there is no need to be insulting if that is what you intended. If not then I take it back

.

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Michael Oksa 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

Michael, please don't be quite so condescending even with a , there is no need to be insulting if that is what you intended. If not then I take it back .

Sam, freaking chill out.

I was trying to be nice.

You quoted one of my favorite songs, so I returned with a fitting line from the same song.

I wasn't trying to be insulting at all. In fact, I was trying to cheer you up.

Seriously...take a deep breath and relax.

All the best,
Michael
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Nick Brighton

13 years ago

I know what you mean dude.

I was infuriated to find the domain name "MarketingNinjas.com" has been snapped up. Now what the heck am I supposed to do about my marketing course aimed at REAL Ninjas?

Those guys might be deadly silent and be able to kill you with a one finger punch, but when it comes to getting to the top of Google, they're a total mess.

What makes it worse, is that MarketingNinjas.com is selling general marketing training... not really anything to do with Ninjas at all.

Goddam it, it's game over.

P.S - Early (or rich) bird catches the worm. What you're saying is basically "I hate realtors, because they buy these amazing houses and then sell them to crack addicts or noisy neighbours."

But you can't really substantiate that the residents are in fact wrong doers, so you're basically saying "I hate realtors... they're making money from seizing opportunities... and I'm not."

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Nick Brighton

I know what you mean dude.

I was infuriated to find the domain name "MarketingNinjas.com" has been snapped up. Now what the heck am I supposed to do about my marketing course aimed at REAL Ninjas?

Those guys might be deadly silent and be able to kill you with a one finger punch, but when it comes to getting to the top of Google, they're a total mess.

What makes it worse, is that MarketingNinjas.com is selling general marketing training... not really anything to do with Ninjas at all.

Goddam it, it's game over.

I understand your message

.

But I think it has more of a difference in some markets than others, especially where health is concerned.

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Nick Brighton

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

I understand your message

.

But I think it has more of a difference in some markets than others, especially where health is concerned.

Well, who cares anyway? The market is so big, anyone can swoop in and make multiple millions, assuming they know how to market an in-demand product.

And you don't need to sell suppliments either. Take a look at the first page of Clickbanks' weight loss category.

At least three of those listings are generating multiple millions for the creators.

And what are they selling? A freakin' eBook or video.

They're probably netting a much bigger profit than the average pill pusher.

Especially when the pill pusher isn't even on page #1 for their primary keyword.

And as someone already pointed out, generic terms in your domain name doesn't mean anything. In fact, it can often be too broad to use in SEO marketing.

Branding is where it's at. I will always remember "fat burning furnace" over "weightloss.com"

Maybe that's just me.

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Martin Luxton

13 years ago

Steadyon,

If your stance was based on information like this

Lies, Damned Lies, and Medical Science - Magazine - The Atlantic

and that drug companies can get away with murder while the FTC come down much harder on marketers, then I'd have sympathy for your viewpoint.

As it is, this drug company paid their $7.99 to Godaddy and now have a legal right to use the domain name.

If you don't like it, use the link above as a starting point, do some research and, if you find grounds for misrepresentation, report them to the authorities.

Martin

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

Steadyon,

If your stance was based on information like this

Lies, Damned Lies, and Medical Science - Magazine - The Atlantic

and that drug companies can get away with murder while the FTC come down much harder on marketers, then I'd have sympathy for your viewpoint.

As it is, this drug company paid their $7.99 to Godaddy and now have a legal right to use the domain name.

If you don't like it, use the link above as a starting point, do some research and, if you find grounds for misrepresentation, report them to the authorities.

Martin

That article was quite something.

By the way, I'd be surprised if they got it for $7.99 but that's another story.

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

I understand your message

.

But I think it has more of a difference in some markets than others, especially where health is concerned.

So, you don't care so much in some markets as others? And yet you can't see how you're being judgmental? If anything, you're defining the term.

As for making it personal, or the thread going in unintended directions: this is a forum and that stuff happens all the time. I can understand your frustration in that regard, because I know it drives me nuts when it happens to me.

Out of curiosity, which non-governmental third party would you trust to determine which niches your rule applies to? Personally, I can't think of a single one; past, present or future.

All the best,
Michael

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Michael,

As I said earlier, I take it back if that wasn't the intention. It is not always clear when someone is being friendly or unfriendly on a forum etc..

Sometimes these things should be talked about down the pub face to face

.

When misunderstandings occur, they can easily be cleared up with more beer

.

The only reason I was bringing the "health" niche into it was because this is where bad advice can go horribly wrong, whether certified by the medical profession or suggested by the alternative therapy companies. Both can have downsides.

I'm going to go for a relaxing walk now and then lie down, take some deep breaths and have a nap...

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

The only reason I was bringing the "health" niche into it was because this is where bad advice can go horribly wrong, whether certified by the medical profession or suggested by the alternative therapy companies. Both can have downsides.

But it's even worse when it's neither someone in the medical profession, nor an alternative therapy company. What I mean is that they each have some level of accountability, as opposed to the regular guy or gal who's in it SOLELY to make money and doesn't care what they say to get a sale. Their only accountability, in their minds, is how much they sell.

Another way to put it is: how much do you trust somebody living in their parents' basement who just learned how to cobble together a website so they could make money on weight loss products?

That's not to say traditional companies don't have a profit motive, they do, but they at least have some oversight.

All the best,
Michael

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

But it's even worse when it's neither someone in the medical profession, nor an alternative therapy company. What I mean is that they each have some level of accountability, as opposed to the regular guy or gal who's in it SOLELY to make money and doesn't care what they say to get a sale. Their only accountability, in their minds, is how much they sell.

Another way to put it is: how much do you trust somebody living in their parents' basement who just learned how to cobble together a website so they could make money on weight loss products?

That's not to say traditional companies don't have a profit motive, they do, but they at least have some oversight.

All the best,
Michael

I completely agree with you on this.

The phrase "buyer beware" springs to mind more and more these days.

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davewebsmith

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Nick Brighton

I know what you mean dude.

I was infuriated to find the domain name "MarketingNinjas.com" has been snapped up. Now what the heck am I supposed to do about my marketing course aimed at REAL Ninjas?

bwhahahahaha -- legendary comment ...

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madison_avenue

13 years ago

This has been going on for a long time. Many companies buy up hundreds of domains to outsmart squatters, stonewalling competitors, or protecting their image.

It has the negative effect of making it more difficult for legitimate web site builders to buy decent domain names.

26% of Fortune 500 companies own a domain with their company name followed by "sucks.com."

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Dan C. Rinnert

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

Basically, whilst doing a bit of research into the huge weight loss market I wondered who owned weightloss.com and how it ranked.

It is owned by a drug/pharmaceutical company called Roche and it ranks on page 2 of google.

(It would be rather easy to get it ranked on page 1 but I am happy it isn't.)

It somehow leaves a bad taste in my mouth that such an "important" keyword phrase as this is owned by a drug company, which is offering a drug solution to losing weight.

I know it is a "free" market and anyone can theoretically buy any dot com etc. but it doesn't seem right to me somehow. But obviously they had the big buck$ to buy it.

I wouldn't have a problem if they owned weightlossdrugs.com as that is what they are selling.

But to give their site visitors such a slanted solution as drugs, when visiting a generic domain such as weightloss.com doesn't seem right to me.

But, it's on page 2 of Google, not page 1, right? So, it appears the free market is self-correcting here. Maybe if they offered non-drug-related weight loss advice, they would rank on page 1. But, they offer a weight loss drug, so they are pushed to page 2.

Self-correction. No government intrusion necessary.

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Steadyon

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

But, it's on page 2 of Google, not page 1, right? So, it appears the free market is self-correcting here. Maybe if they offered non-drug-related weight loss advice, they would rank on page 1. But, they offer a weight loss drug, so they are pushed to page 2.

Self-correction. No government intrusion necessary.

You make a good point.

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Sandra Martinez

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

But, it's on page 2 of Google, not page 1, right? So, it appears the free market is self-correcting here. Maybe if they offered non-drug-related weight loss advice, they would rank on page 1. But, they offer a weight loss drug, so they are pushed to page 2.

Self-correction. No government intrusion necessary.

self-correction or not... government intrusion is a BAD BAD BAD thing...

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Don Schenk

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steadyon

Basically, whilst doing a bit of research into the huge weight loss market I wondered who owned weightloss.com and how it ranked.

It is owned by a drug/pharmaceutical company called Roche and it ranks on page 2 of google.

Sam,

How do you know this? I went to the whois, it sent me to Godaddy, and unless I am missing something, here are the results... (and it looks like they have owned it for 11 years - you could have acquired it for yourself back then)...

Registrant:
Trentville Corporation N.V.

Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n
P.O.Box 837
Willemstad, Curacao 00000
Netherlands Antilles

Registered through: GoDaddy.com, Inc. (Domain Names, Web Hosting and SSL Certificates - Go Daddy)
Domain Name: WEIGHTLOSSDRUGS.COM
Created on: 20-May-99
Expires on: 20-May-12
Last Updated on: 12-Nov-10

Administrative Contact:
Elias, Greg trentville@gmail.com
Trentville Corporation N.V.
Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n
P.O.Box 837
Willemstad, Curacao 00000
Netherlands Antilles
+599.7366277

Technical Contact:
Elias, Greg trentville@gmail.com
Trentville Corporation N.V.
Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n
P.O.Box 837
Willemstad, Curacao 00000
Netherlands Antilles
+599.7366277

Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.DOMAINMANAGER.COM
NS2.DOMAINMANAGER.COM

Registry Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Registry Status: clientRenewProhibited
Registry Status: clientTransferProhibited
Registry Status: clientUpdateProhibited

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Don, he was referring to weightloss.com as being owned by Roche, and was saying that IF they used weightlossdrugs.com instead, he wouldn't have a problem with it.

All the best,
Michael