For anyone considering a web business, I advise this: Buy domain names for all your ideas, regardless if you ever pursue the idea.

Since 1997, I've been "collecting" domain names for e-business ideas that I sporadically think of. To date, I have dozens of domain names of value; all in the top-level domain "dot-com". Now, none of these names are developed into any business however they are now worth $1000's and I paid a few hundred dollars for them.

Anytime I had an e-business idea, I brainstormed, found a name, and registered it.

Domain assets, specifically DOT-COM names of value, are going to start rapidly appreciating. Like land, .COM names are a scarce commodity that is ever declining in supply. DOT COM is the BoardWalk of top-level domain names. No matter how many .this and .that they invent, .COM will always command a premium price.

Years ago, there were plenty of names to be picked up on the cheap. Nowadays, it is really difficult to find good, brandable Dot-Com domain names.

I'm not talking about "The-great-store-online.com" which is garbage, but short, memorable, phrased, and brandable names which can command a value in the future.

If you have an idea, think of a brandable name, and buy it -- assuming its available. If it is, it won't be available long.

Last year, I thought of an idea and went to register the name "FastForSale.com" -- to my surprise, it was available. Instead of immediately registering it (I was at my GF house when I did the search), I waited the next day. It was gone the following day when I went to buy it.

In a few years, the secondary markets for decent dot-com domain assets should start rapidly appreciating. A $30 investment could turn to $30,000. Moreover, you really want to secure a name for your idea with the possibility that you might develop it, or someone else might come along and offer to buy it.

Cheers,
MJ