Ethics/Legal Question

**rockinjoe** · 09-26-2007 07:22 PM

I am an affiliate for a popular subscription based website (that will remain nameless for the purpose of the question) and I also happen to own a domain with a misspelling of the original site. I bought the domain a couple of years back before becoming affiliated with the company.

How ethical/legal would it be for me to profit from using this domain to sell subscriptions to the original site? I say all is fair in love and affiliate marketing.
What does everyone else think?

Let me point out that it's a MAJOR misspelling, if that makes any difference.

**radreality** · 09-26-2007 10:01 PM

that question can't be answered on here. You need to read the Terms of Service for the affiliate program.

Most programs that I am familiar with DON'T allow you use misspelled versions of their domain.

You say its a major misspelling, so use your best judgement or contact that company and get their opinion. They are the ones that can close your account, regardless of what other people say and the ethics/legality of it; so I would just check with them and be upfront about things so that way you don't have to worry about.

______________________________
Robert Falk
Business Developer / Investor
Self Help & Success Forum

**rockinjoe** · 09-26-2007 10:16 PM

Hi Robert,
The TOS doesn't cover domain names (not even cleverly disguised, as far as I can see), which is why I asked the question. It dives deeply into the use of spamming, email and competing programs. Thanks for your answer, though. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by radreality

that question can't be answered on here. You need to read the Terms of Service for the affiliate program.

Most programs that I am familiar with DON'T allow you use misspelled versions of their domain.

You say its a major misspelling, so use your best judgement or contact that company and get their opinion. They are the ones that can close your account, regardless of what other people say and the ethics/legality of it; so I would just check with them and be upfront about things so that way you don't have to worry about.

**907Group** · 09-27-2007 02:30 PM

radreality hit the mark with one. Most companies do not allow you to use typo, misspelled, or any word in the domain resembling their company name.

I would check with your affiliate company/program and ask them first then risk of losing the account with hard money earned.. or maybe it wouldn't be hard if people mistyped it then landed on your page

Originally Posted by radreality

that question can't be answered on here. You need to read the Terms of Service for the affiliate program.

Most programs that I am familiar with DON'T allow you use misspelled versions of their domain.

You say its a major misspelling, so use your best judgement or contact that company and get their opinion. They are the ones that can close your account, regardless of what other people say and the ethics/legality of it; so I would just check with them and be upfront about things so that way you don't have to worry about.