Porn Stars Name In Domain?

41 replies
Hey guys I have a question,

I am thinking about promoting an offer on Adult Friend Finder. What I am doing is promoting 4tube.com as an affiliate, they pay per click for every visitor that visits their page. What I wanted to do was target my keywords down to the porn stars name since the majority of the people searching this are going online to watch her videos.

Now, my domain choice is Pornstarnamevideos.com...I don't know the legal issues behind this so I wanted to make sure that this was ok to do before I start.

Can you have a porn stars name if your domain?

Also, can you post pictures of the porn star in your blog?
#domain #stars
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    If the porn star owns the trademark (they often do) then you can't.

    On most accounts you will get hassled for using the name so my advice is to avoid that strategy.
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    • Profile picture of the author ryanmilligan
      Banned
      The guy above me is right. Look into it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vendzilla
    Don't use the pornstars name.
    Don't use any content you don't have legal rights to.
    AFF, you will have a hard time selling the most sold product in adult.
    If you want to sell adult dating, get a white label and brand it.
    Live Cams is also hot right now.

    There are people that do nothing but hunt websites using illegal content
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan2525
    Originally Posted by carlosandrewvaliente View Post

    Hey guys I have a question,

    I am thinking about promoting an offer on Adult Friend Finder. What I am doing is promoting 4tube.com as an affiliate, they pay per click for every visitor that visits their page. What I wanted to do was target my keywords down to the porn stars name since the majority of the people searching this are going online to watch her videos.

    Now, my domain choice is Pornstarnamevideos.com...I don't know the legal issues behind this so I wanted to make sure that this was ok to do before I start.

    Can you have a porn stars name if your domain?

    Also, can you post pictures of the porn star in your blog?
    Yer really bad move.

    Pictures you could get away with as you would just have to
    take them down but your domain is killer because you lose everything
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    • Profile picture of the author Vendzilla
      Originally Posted by Nathan2525 View Post

      Yer really bad move.

      Pictures you could get away with as you would just have to
      take them down but your domain is killer because you lose everything
      As your site gets better results in google, the more chances of getting found out
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  • Profile picture of the author saxatwork
    Name is one thing... maybe you want to check if they have issues with some phrases or words too... (a while ago, we had Paris Hilton shooting at Hallmark cards because they said "That's Hot!")...

    Link to the news: Court: Paris Hilton can pursue Hallmark lawsuit | Reuters
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Carlos:

      Of course you are aware that a domain name with any reference to "porn", adult themes, sex, etc, is bound to be blacklisted by many hosting companies and others in their terms of service. Yes, this is a thriving industry but the successful players are experienced and know how to drive traffic in ways and by means that can be different than the run of the mill business owner can find on the Warrior Forum.

      Be forewarned . . .

      Steve
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      Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
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      • Profile picture of the author Vendzilla
        Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

        Carlos:

        Of course you are aware that a domain name with any reference to "porn", adult themes, sex, etc, is bound to be blacklisted by many hosting companies and others in their terms of service. Yes, this is a thriving industry but the successful players are experienced and know how to drive traffic in ways and by means that can be different than the run of the mill business owner can find on the Warrior Forum.

        Be forewarned . . .

        Steve

        There are more hosting companies that you can put porn sites on than you might think. Even blogger.com allows them
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  • Profile picture of the author rusty1027
    I'm going to go across the grain here and say "go for it"! Here's why - I've dealt with hundreds of porn stars.

    I've had a ton of experience with "porn stars" and that experience tells me that 99.99% of them would thank you for doing what you're proposing. These girls thrive on exposure. The ones who aren't doing it in the closet can't get themselves out there enough. They're proud of what they do and they want everyone to know it - I'm not kidding, these girls have massive egos!

    As for the trademark argument - that's all crap! All porn star names are made up and only the biggest stars have EVER actually trademarked their name. I've dealt with some biggies and they did not own a trademark on their name. "OMG you can't do that!" is always the knee jerk reaction here on the WF - it's a generic answer everyone always spews out as soon as the topic is mentioned. Facebook, Twitter, Google - sure I'll agree there - but trust me - doesn't apply here.

    I'll take it one step further - put the blog up and then try to contact the porn star. Yes - show her what you're doing and ask her if she'd be willing to supply you some nice pics for the site. If you can get a hold of her, I'll bet you my house she sends you pics. Ask her for a phone interview or if you can send her some questions that you 'd like to post on the blog. Unless she's too busy traveling (these girls travel a lot) - she'll do it! If she has her own site - I'm sure she has an affiliate program behind it - join it and tell her in exchange for some pics or an interview you will link back to her. You'll be amazed how approachable some of these girls actually are.

    Don't believe me? PM me her name and I'll do for you!
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    • Profile picture of the author Vendzilla
      Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

      I'm going to go across the grain here and say "go for it"! Here's why - I've dealt with hundreds of porn stars.

      I've had a ton of experience with "porn stars" and that experience tells me that 99.99% of them would thank you for doing what you're proposing. These girls thrive on exposure. The ones who aren't doing it in the closet can't get themselves out there enough. They're proud of what they do and they want everyone to know it - I'm not kidding, these girls have massive egos!

      As for the trademark argument - that's all crap! All porn star names are made up and only the biggest stars have EVER actually trademarked their name. I've dealt with some biggies and they did not own a trademark on their name. "OMG you can't do that!" is always the knee jerk reaction here on the WF - it's a generic answer everyone always spews out as soon as the topic is mentioned. Facebook, Twitter, Google - sure I'll agree there - but trust me - doesn't apply here.

      I'll take it one step further - put the blog up and then try to contact the porn star. Yes - show her what you're doing and ask her if she'd be willing to supply you some nice pics for the site. If you can get a hold of her, I'll bet you my house she sends you pics. Ask her for a phone interview or if you can send her some questions that you 'd like to post on the blog. Unless she's too busy traveling (these girls travel a lot) - she'll do it! If she has her own site - I'm sure she has an affiliate program behind it - join it and tell her in exchange for some pics or an interview you will link back to her. You'll be amazed how approachable some of these girls actually are.

      Don't believe me? PM me her name and I'll do for you!
      The OP was talking about using a porn star name to promote a hook up site, not the pornstars website.

      I ran CMS for one of the biggest PornStar sites.

      If you want to promote a porn star, thats a completely different subject, you can get video and photo content all you want, but if you're going to use a pornstars name to promote AFF, good luck with that one
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    • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
      Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

      I'm going to go across the grain here and say "go for it"! Here's why - I've dealt with hundreds of porn stars.

      I've had a ton of experience with "porn stars" and that experience tells me that 99.99% of them would thank you for doing what you're proposing. These girls thrive on exposure. The ones who aren't doing it in the closet can't get themselves out there enough. They're proud of what they do and they want everyone to know it - I'm not kidding, these girls have massive egos!

      As for the trademark argument - that's all crap! All porn star names are made up and only the biggest stars have EVER actually trademarked their name. I've dealt with some biggies and they did not own a trademark on their name. "OMG you can't do that!" is always the knee jerk reaction here on the WF - it's a generic answer everyone always spews out as soon as the topic is mentioned. Facebook, Twitter, Google - sure I'll agree there - but trust me - doesn't apply here.

      I'll take it one step further - put the blog up and then try to contact the porn star. Yes - show her what you're doing and ask her if she'd be willing to supply you some nice pics for the site. If you can get a hold of her, I'll bet you my house she sends you pics. Ask her for a phone interview or if you can send her some questions that you 'd like to post on the blog. Unless she's too busy traveling (these girls travel a lot) - she'll do it! If she has her own site - I'm sure she has an affiliate program behind it - join it and tell her in exchange for some pics or an interview you will link back to her. You'll be amazed how approachable some of these girls actually are.

      Don't believe me? PM me her name and I'll do for you!
      Funny I have had experience with porn stars too.

      I bought a company that owned a bunch of porn star domains in the portfolio. regular legal threats, phone calls from crazy girls or their crazier boyfriends, letters and enough pain in the ass to say it's NOT worth building a business on someone else's trade name.

      Especially to promote a 3rd party affiliate offer
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      • Profile picture of the author Vendzilla
        Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

        Funny I have had experience with porn stars too.

        I bought a company that owned a bunch of porn star domains in the portfolio. regular legal threats, phone calls from crazy girls or their crazier boyfriends, letters and enough pain in the ass to say it's NOT worth building a business on someone else's trade name.

        Especially to promote a 3rd party affiliate offer
        Pornstars that think they know marketing , but can't turn on their webcam
        Boyfriends that want to run things, but you have to explain to them why not everyone that comes to the site will buy a membership.
        Lawyers that surf more porn than the most lecherous of men telling you that the pictures posted are implied sex and have to come down.
        It's why they invented voice mail!!
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      • Profile picture of the author rusty1027
        Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

        Funny I have had experience with porn stars too.

        I bought a company that owned a bunch of porn star domains in the portfolio. regular legal threats, phone calls from crazy girls or their crazier boyfriends, letters and enough pain in the ass to say it's NOT worth building a business on someone else's trade name.

        Especially to promote a 3rd party affiliate offer
        I'm very familiar with your credentials, Brad and you make an excellent point, so let me revise my answer...

        A very large majority of these girls are complete nut jobs and that's where you can run into a problem. Any girl who makes a 5 minute video clip with her iPhone and posts it online considers herself a porn star. These girls are not professionals and they're the ones who could give you grief. Legally, they've got nothing on you, but they can be a huge pain in the a$$, especially if they get your phone number.

        I don't know who you're focusing on, but I see Lisa Ann on the front page of that site. She's a big name (not trademarked) and her official site is run through Danger Dollars paying upwards of $35 per signup. She's a professional, so why not send an email and be totally up front about what you intend to do.
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        • Profile picture of the author davezan
          Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

          She's a big name (not trademarked)
          If Lisa Ann is using that name to make money, especially if people have cum to
          (pun intended) commercially identify that name with a girl doing porn services or
          what-not, she virtually has a trademark. She might have to demonstrate it if it's
          not registered, but (easily?) doable if she's using it commercially.

          One domain lawyer I know has this good analogy: if my dog isn't licensed, it's a
          dog still, and it can still bite your ass. Similarly, a trademark exists as long as it's
          essentially and continually used as one even if it's not formally registered.

          But having a porn star (literally) bite your ass...hmm...
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          David

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          • Profile picture of the author Dale21
            I do agree that many of the girls are total whack jobs, but there are some that are very smart so there is cause for concern. Putting the trademark questions aside, I really would not recommend any person's or company's name in the domain, especially if you are not promoting that person or that person's products. That is like seeing a computer store with MAC on the front but when you go inside they have everything but MAC.
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    • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
      Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

      As for the trademark argument - that's all crap! All porn star names are made up and only the biggest stars have EVER actually trademarked their name. I've dealt with some biggies and they did not own a trademark on their name.
      Everything about this is wrong. Everything.

      Sometimes I wish there was a forum feature that automatically prevented inane legal posts from non-attorneys from being submitted.

      FYI - just because a name is 'made up' does not mean it is not trademarked.

      Mark Twain
      Stephen King

      Last time I looked every product name was 'made up' and a stage name is no different.

      Just because a USPTO trademark registration is not filed does not mean there is no trademark.

      Similar to copyright. Just because you have not registered with the US Copyright Office that does not mean no copyright exists.

      As in any other business, perhaps more so, having unique porn names (aka trademarks) is extremely important to avoid consumer confusion.

      If someone is searching for my porn movies it is gonna be a big problem if Tiny Tim is out there using my name and making people think that is me.

      .
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      • Profile picture of the author David Keith
        Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

        If someone is searching for my porn movies it is gonna be a big problem if Tiny Tim is out there using my name and making people think that is me.

        .
        if Tiny Tim is involved in the porn industry, he better be using another name.
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        • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
          Banned
          Originally Posted by David Keith View Post

          if Tiny Tim is involved in the porn industry, he better be using another name.
          roflmao ... yeah, that would be really bad marketing
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      • Profile picture of the author rusty1027
        Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

        FYI - just because a name is 'made up' does not mean it is not trademarked.

        Mark Twain
        Stephen King

        Last time I looked every product name was 'made up' and a stage name is no different.
        .
        I never made the claim that because a porn name is made up that means it is not trademarked. Maybe you should re-read the sentence.
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    • Profile picture of the author Carlos Valiente
      Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

      I'm going to go across the grain here and say "go for it"! Here's why - I've dealt with hundreds of porn stars.

      I've had a ton of experience with "porn stars" and that experience tells me that 99.99% of them would thank you for doing what you're proposing. These girls thrive on exposure. The ones who aren't doing it in the closet can't get themselves out there enough. They're proud of what they do and they want everyone to know it - I'm not kidding, these girls have massive egos!

      As for the trademark argument - that's all crap! All porn star names are made up and only the biggest stars have EVER actually trademarked their name. I've dealt with some biggies and they did not own a trademark on their name. "OMG you can't do that!" is always the knee jerk reaction here on the WF - it's a generic answer everyone always spews out as soon as the topic is mentioned. Facebook, Twitter, Google - sure I'll agree there - but trust me - doesn't apply here.

      I'll take it one step further - put the blog up and then try to contact the porn star. Yes - show her what you're doing and ask her if she'd be willing to supply you some nice pics for the site. If you can get a hold of her, I'll bet you my house she sends you pics. Ask her for a phone interview or if you can send her some questions that you 'd like to post on the blog. Unless she's too busy traveling (these girls travel a lot) - she'll do it! If she has her own site - I'm sure she has an affiliate program behind it - join it and tell her in exchange for some pics or an interview you will link back to her. You'll be amazed how approachable some of these girls actually are.

      Don't believe me? PM me her name and I'll do for you!
      Hey Rusty, PM me your email and Ill send you the name of the Porn Star. I haven't made enough posts in the warrior forum to send you a pm. It's not letting me.
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  • Profile picture of the author mskerry
    I agree not such a great move using their domain names
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  • Profile picture of the author Msands
    I don't know much about your question but it sounds like you should take a different approach to get people to site. My advice is to build a separate website that gives people information about sex or something like that...Then on the site, give people the free information including the affiliate link for people to get more information or to check out the 4tube.com...

    I hope that helps...
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Msands View Post

      I don't know much about your question but it sounds like you should take a different approach to get people to site. My advice is to build a separate website that gives people information about sex or something like that...Then on the site, give people the free information including the affiliate link for people to get more information or to check out the 4tube.com...

      I hope that helps...
      Great there goes 4 hours of my work day today.
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  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    I think it depends on how good is that porn star, is that porn star any good ?
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  • Profile picture of the author Sunitha Chawala
    there may be copyright pbl so plz avoid such things
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  • Profile picture of the author koreancowboy
    I used to be in the adult industry...while a lot of the advice already mentioned is great, you'll need to look into 2257 and have a warning page on your site (even if you don't think it's porn, do it anyways).

    Also, the legal aspect of it is constantly changing, so I would highly recommend that you check out gfy.com (I'm still a member there, and use the same screen name).
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    • Profile picture of the author Vendzilla
      Originally Posted by koreancowboy View Post

      I used to be in the adult industry...while a lot of the advice already mentioned is great, you'll need to look into 2257 and have a warning page on your site (even if you don't think it's porn, do it anyways).

      Also, the legal aspect of it is constantly changing, so I would highly recommend that you check out gfy.com (I'm still a member there, and use the same screen name).
      2257 is a big concern, warning pages, Only time you have to have it if your biller makes you or if you have nudity on the front page.

      GFY? I have the tshirt
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  • Profile picture of the author dmason
    If you like to spend your days in court...keep going in the same direction.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie123
    To avoid trademark issues, simply ask the porn star to authorize use of the name and you will split proceeds with them. That could be a very powerful joint venture! Or you could rent the name from them on a monthly basis.
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  • Profile picture of the author ibacklinkpro
    Are you guys kidding me??? Use it!!! There is so much trademark infringement going on that it is laughable!!! Think about how many domains have viagra in their url!!!!! and Pfitzer a much, much larger corporation with virtually unlimited resources has not gone after these domains, this exists in every single industry... some people just want to crap on your parade... use it and you will not have problems, but just to be safe, pay the extra $5 for private registration...
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    • Profile picture of the author rusty1027
      Originally Posted by ibacklinkpro View Post

      Are you guys kidding me??? Use it!!! There is so much trademark infringement going on that it is laughable!!! Think about how many domains have viagra in their url!!!!! and Pfitzer a much, much larger corporation with virtually unlimited resources has not gone after these domains, this exists in every single industry... some people just want to crap on your parade... use it and you will not have problems, but just to be safe, pay the extra $5 for private registration...
      DUDE! I'm so happy that some else has the b@lls to NOT go straight for the politically correct, generic, "safe" answer and tell it the way it is! I'm so proud of you that after i write this i'm clicking on your signature link
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    • Profile picture of the author davezan
      Originally Posted by ibacklinkpro View Post

      some people just want to crap on your parade...
      Or some people just want the OP to know what else to expect to make a much
      more informed decision? It's his butt on the line after all, especially since other
      people's behavior doesn't always indicate if something's allowed or not.

      But hey, if you feel like going 150> and zooming past a guy doing only 70 in an
      80-kph road, be my guest.

      Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

      DUDE! I'm so happy that some else has the b@lls to NOT go straight for the politically correct, generic, "safe" answer and tell it the way it is!
      In that case, why don't you do what you first offered to the OP?

      Originally Posted by rusty1027 View Post

      Don't believe me? PM me her name and I'll do for you!
      Good for both you and ibacklinkpro if you both turn out right and the OP does
      not get into trouble at all. If he does get into sh** like these, though:

      WIPO Domain Name Decision: D2006-0399

      WIPO Domain Name Decision: D2009-0417

      NATIONAL ARBITRATION FORUM

      What are the two of you prepared to do for him by then? Granted, they don't
      happen often, and what was that part about not having problems or does
      not apply
      here?

      Just telling it like it is, as you said. Only that's still mild, heh.
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      David

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      • Profile picture of the author rusty1027
        Originally Posted by davezan View Post

        In that case, why don't you do what you first offered to the OP?
        I did! I PM'd him and made the offer. If he's still gun shy I pray he takes me up on it.

        Originally Posted by davezan View Post

        Good for both you and ibacklinkpro if you both turn out right and the OP does
        not get into trouble at all. If he does get into sh** like these, though:

        WIPO Domain Name Decision: D2006-0399

        WIPO Domain Name Decision: D2009-0417

        NATIONAL ARBITRATION FORUM

        What are the two of you prepared to do for him by then? Granted, they don't
        happen often, and what was that part about not having problems or does
        not apply
        here?
        So you posted 3 links to rulings where people lost their domain names, wow! I could just as easily post hundreds of links to sites with questionable domain names that are functioning just fine and have been for years.

        I'm not denying that it is possible the OP could get a CD letter. However I still contend that it's extremely highly unlikely. I contacted 2 adult entertainers that I know personally and have videos on 4tube and proposed this situation to them. Neither of them had a problem with the idea and they were both even willing to supply some pics. Why don't all you experts contact some of the adult entertainers you know and see what they say.

        OP, my original offer still stands.
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        • Profile picture of the author Carlos Valiente
          I'll take you up on it Rusty, I can't see why the Adult Ent would not want me to send traffic to her videos on 4Tube especially if she gives me the right to use her name. Shoot, I'm even willing to split the profit if I have to.

          Rusty PM me your personal email and I will send you the name. WF is not letting me PM you.

          I really appreciate all the comments and opinions on this thread whether they are agreed or disagreed on.
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        • Profile picture of the author davezan
          Rusty1027,

          I know your personal experience says otherwise. What many people here posted
          is the OP can get into trouble if he pursued what he precisely asked.

          What got some people like Kindsvater irked is essentially telling the OP there'll be
          no issues. If anything, those decisions I posted of similar porn stars going after
          their domain name-sakes showed what can happen if the OP does similarly what
          occurred in those circumstances described.

          Anyway, I'm just also letting the OP know. Obviously it's his final decision if he'll
          pursue this all the way, and only he will be responsible for his choices.

          I wish you both well.
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          David

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  • Profile picture of the author beks001
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Carlos Valiente
      Yea I agree with you too. Beks, I saw that you PM'ed me. I am not able to PM you back so send me your email address and I'll follow up with you there.
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  • Profile picture of the author ibacklinkpro
    But if they get pissed or don't agree to it then your work or plan is down the tubes.
    Why would your work be down the tubes? Let them get pissed... it is almost unheard of for them do do anything about it except get pissed...
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  • Profile picture of the author ibacklinkpro
    Did you not read the thread??? What about the thousands of websites that have viagra in their domain? Why hasn't Pfitzer sued them?
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  • Profile picture of the author Brendan Vraibel
    You may be able to squeak by with it but it's not something that I'd be willing to center my business around. Having it in the back of your mind all day everyday that you could be shut down at any time just doesn't seem worth it. There are plenty of other ways to make money online.

    Best of luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
    sure you can.....just be sure to spell my name right

    my tattoo reads saskatchewan, not swan
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