well my website is gone

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 3:31AM

Great day. I was having some issues with my Ripken website. Found out what was wrong. My account was set to automatically renew and for whatever reason it did not automatically renew. When it did not someone grabbed by web address. Now my site is being hosted through their web address. Going to have to change my web address which really stinks or buy it back at a premium.

baseballfan · December 8, 2009 3:33AM

that sucks!!!

pandrews · December 8, 2009 3:35AM

wow, that sucks.. how did someone get it so quick?

i checked and it seems all your articles and stuff are still there? surely this guy cant get away with taking your content..

lawnmowerman · December 8, 2009 3:40AM

Suckitude!

schr1st · December 8, 2009 3:42AM

That's odd. Normally it takes a couple of months for them to be able to resell your domain name once it expires. In any case, I'm sorry you lost it.

jeffcbay · December 8, 2009 3:44AM

WTF??? How can they still use your content?? Do you have everything saved off? Can you contact the current owner? This really sucks... I'm sorry to hear this.

VintageCardLover · December 8, 2009 3:46AM

that was going to be my comment, all the content is there, you should contact the provider. and keep the renewal as automatic with Paypal or a credit card, plus dont they notify you??

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 3:47AM

Content is there due to my hosting provider being different than the registration group. Essentially the site hosting group is posting teh info but the site address is owned by someone else. Essentially I got screwed by the people I registered the site through.

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 3:49AM

<< that was going to be my comment, all the content is there, you should contact the provider. and keep the renewal as automatic with Paypal or a credit card, plus dont they notify you?? >>

They used my secondary e-mail address rather than the ripkenintheminors@hotmail.com

For whatever reason they did not call.

tunahead08 · December 8, 2009 3:53AM

I would give the registration people a call and see if anything can be done. It may be that someone else didn't register the name, but the registration company is holding it hostage so to speak. Godaddy.com will do this if let your domain name lapse. They will put it on hold and you have to buy it back for a nominal price.

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 4:00AM

Picked up by a guy in Moscow.

WinPitcher · December 8, 2009 4:02AM

A guy in Moscow? That sounds odd.

Sorry you even have to go through this nonsense.

Steve

tunahead08 · December 8, 2009 4:02AM

That sucks man, who was the registration company?

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 4:04AM

My site was built through freewebs and the group I bought the address through was a freewebs company. The freewebs hosting group had no problem getting money from me but the registration group claims that they could not find me to get the money.

tunahead08 · December 8, 2009 4:23AM

Was Oct. 20 when it lapsed?

tunahead08 · December 8, 2009 4:32AM

Unfortunately I think you may be screwed. The Russian guy registered through GoDaddy.com, so you may want to give them a call to see if they can do anything. I don't know if they can, but it's worth a try if you really want the domain name back. The times I've had to deal with their support it's been pretty decent.

Other than that, I guess you'll have to come up with a variation of the name

swartz1 · December 8, 2009 4:47AM

Is "this person" cybersquatting?

tunahead08 · December 8, 2009 4:50AM

<< Is "this person" cybersquatting? >>

Most likely:

Administrative Contact:
Vetrov, Nick domains@inet-name.com
ul. 5-ya Sokolinaya gora 25-1-35
Moscow, Moscow 105275
Russian Federation
9262041899

A lot of times people will search for recently expired domain names and pick them up, hoping to sell them back for a premium.

70chip · December 8, 2009 4:53AM

This is total crap. I am sorry this happened to you and wish/hope there is something you can do to reclaim the domain name. Just terrible.

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 4:58AM

<< Was Oct. 20 when it lapsed? >>

Apparently. Another group is seeing what they can do to buy back the domain name. The hosting group is trying to remove the content from the .com address as I would prefer my hard work to not show up on an address that someone else owns. I've already picked up the .net address but it will take a good 24 hours for the changes to take effect. Essentially my site will most likely disappear for a day.

storm888 · December 8, 2009 5:00AM

There are some remedies, but time is NOT your pal.

If you confirm that any redemption period has passed,
you will likely need help to pursue the matter.

If the name has value to you, call an IP-lawyer NOW.
(Most will give you a free chat session, and tell you
upfront what it will cost to achieve your desired result.)

..............

last resort.....

On the DIY level, you could ask your closest local Fed court
for an injunction that would "kill" the name....forever.

That would mean neither you nor the Ruskie could use the
name.......ever.

This trick has been used in some small claims venues, but
their Orders are not always honored by every service provider.

This option is only good if you have come to the "if I can't have
it, nobody can" point in the fight.

.......................................

From mikeindustries.com...........

How a domain expires

Contrary to popular belief, domains do not expire when they say they do. If the owner of a domain does not renew by the expiration date of the domain, the domain goes into “expired” status. For 40 days, the domain is in a grace period where all services are shut off, but the domain owner may still renew the domain for a standard renewal fee. If a domain enters this period, it is a good first indicator that it may not be renewed, but since the owner can re-register without penalty, it can also just be a sign of laziness or procrastination.

After 40 days are up, the domain’s status changes to “redemption period”. During this phase, all WhoIs information begins disappearing, and more importantly, it now costs the owner an additional fee to re-activate and re-register the domain. The fee is currently around $100, depending on your registrar. When a domain enters its redemption period, it’s a good bet the owner has decided not to renew.

Finally, after the redemption period, the domain’s status will change to “locked” as it enters the deletion phase. The deletion phase is 5 days long, and on the last day between 11am and 2pm Pacific time, the name will officially drop from the ICANN database and will be available for registration by anybody.

The entire process ends exactly 75 days after the listed expiration date. For an even more detailed explanation, read the article Inside a Drop Catcher’s War Room.

thedropsharkstory

///////////////

EDIT:

When I register a name that I want to keep forever, I ONLY use Network Solutions.

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 5:06AM

Thanks for the information. Obviously it stinks in the sense that I've used the name for 3 years but I can live with the .net address if that is the only option. The important thing is having the information out there. Granted, I will have to contact a lot of people and make them aware of the address change and post something about it. They are trying to get the address back but I am sure this is a "make money" situation.

okposo21 · December 8, 2009 5:09AM

from my experience interning with an IP lawfirm, cybersquatting cases are some of the easiest (for the plaintiff) to win.

edit: spelling.

TheHun · December 8, 2009 5:10AM

this is truly unjust.

however, if Storm is sound in his advice (I think he is) - you should persue the matter. All you hard work should not go to waste.

if you need a group effort - either collecting dollars or sending shameful mail to unworthy new web owners - I'm sure this forum will step up for you.

lastly, if you do need to rebuild, you can count on me to send all the material - photos, tickets, articles - I sent before, I will do it.

cheers

THE HUN

tunahead08 · December 8, 2009 5:11AM

Long term the guy might figure out he won't make any money selling the domain name and you can get it back next October if he lets it expire.

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 5:17AM

<< this is truly unjust.

however, if Storm is sound in his advice (I think he is) - you should persue the matter. All you hard work should not go to waste.

if you need a group effort - either collecting dollars or sending shameful mail to unworthy new web owners - I'm sure this forum will step up for you.

lastly, if you do need to rebuild, you can count on me to send all the material - photos, tickets, articles - I sent before, I will do it.

cheers

THE HUN >>

Thanks so much. That really means a lot. The information is still there. It has been uploaded to a system at freewebs.com. Long story short I build the site through them and they point the site through the domain name that I own. I honestly have no clue why the information was even still there. I registered the .net web address and have spoken with freewebs about what happened. They have changed the web address from the .com to the .net. The changes will take at least 24 hours to appear. Once the change is made the ripkenintheminors.com address will either be a blank site or whatever they choose to post on the address. In 24 hours the site will look the same as before but it will now be a .net address instead of a .com address. Fortunately the templates and everything uploaded in the system is still there. However, I was sure to put everything that is built on jump drives in the event their system crashed. If I lost all of the scans and/or articles I would completely freak out.

Again, thank you for the gesture.

I'm waiting to hear back from the mediators. They said this happens a lot and there's nothing I can do. Someone waits for a contract to expire, grab the address and send the original owner a message that the address is hostage for a said fee. They said sometimes the fee is $30, sometimes it is $1,500.

ripkenintheminors · December 8, 2009 5:18AM

<< Long term the guy might figure out he won't make any money selling the domain name and you can get it back next October if he lets it expire. >>

Most likely. The group doing the mediating went so far as to say they were going to ask if they are aware that they are essentially taking credit for intellectually copywrighted material (not that it really matters).

storm888 · December 8, 2009 5:19AM

<< from my experience interning with an IP lawfirm, cybersquatting cases are some of the easiest (for the plaintiff) to win.

edit: spelling. >>

///////////////////////

That's generally true.

In this instance, there is ZERO evidence that the Ruskie is
a squatter. He may have a legit use for the name, OR he
may simply be a drop-farmer who will try to sell the name
to another enduser. Neither circumstance automatically
makes him a squatter.

bigjaco · December 8, 2009 7:18AM

domain registration information on whois does not have to be legit. it does make contacting the individual very difficult. I belive GoDaddy actually offers a squat service that if it comes availalbe you automatically purchase it.

what we've done in the past if someone buys a similar name or say the .net/.org equivilant is have our lawyer write up a cease and desist style letter whereas the cyber squaters for the most part cannot buy names to profit off a pre-existing corporate name. friends of mine owned menards.org and menards.net a long time ago (menards is a home depot / lowe's competitor in the midwest) and got a letter stating to transfer ownership or been summoned to court. he issued the transfer pretty quickly, as do most who get letters from our lawyer.

I don't know what recourse you have at this point as it unfortunately appears you may have fallen victim to just not keeping track of it. as for network solutions and verisign being the end all be all of registrations that's not accurate. they typically offer larger insurance coverage and validation of who you are in order to register / secure a site but don't secure / register it any differently.

metsfan · December 8, 2009 11:47AM

This stuff confuses me, but doesn't the name ripkinintheminors actually belong to anyone named Ripkin that played in the minors(Cal,Bill,any others?). Of course that is unless you have a trademark? When buying a domain name, they say to go with a generic name. Really sorry this happened to you, hopefully it can be fixed.

metsfan · December 8, 2009 12:08PM

One other thing thats confusing: the date the domain name was created for the russian was Oct. 20,2006, does that mean he had rights to the name since 2006? How can 2 people have the name at the same time?

2cardguys · December 8, 2009 12:18PM

<< One other thing thats confusing: the date the domain name was created for the russian was Oct. 20,2006, does that mean he had rights to the name since 2006? How can 2 people have the name at the same time?

>>

The domain name itself was created on Oct 20, 2006, just not for the Ruskie...it was changed on 12/01/09 and expires 10/20/10 according to the record...

bigjaco · December 8, 2009 12:20PM

<< One other thing thats confusing: the date the domain name was created for the russian was Oct. 20,2006, does that mean he had rights to the name since 2006? How can 2 people have the name at the same time?

>>

It was created in 2006. There is some ruling (not so recent) that prevents cyber squatters from profiting from those who have a legitimate business reason / purpose for owning a particular domain name. also works (i believe) if you have a domain name similar to your full name. thou with the fees lawyers charge many just don't have the means to do much about it.

In this particular case -- the domain registration expired and before ripkenintheminors was made aware someone else registered it under their name / company.

metsfan · December 8, 2009 12:28PM

<< 

<< One other thing thats confusing: the date the domain name was created for the russian was Oct. 20,2006, does that mean he had rights to the name since 2006? How can 2 people have the name at the same time?

>>

It was created in 2006. There is some ruling (not so recent) that prevents cyber squatters from profiting from those who have a legitimate business reason / purpose for owning a particular domain name. also works (i believe) if you have a domain name similar to your full name. thou with the fees lawyers charge many just don't have the means to do much about it.

In this particular case -- the domain registration expired and before ripkenintheminors was made aware someone else registered it under their name / company. >>

Thanks for clearing that up. Thought he had 75 days to re-register the name? If it expired in October, it should be 60 days or so.

ripkenintheminors · December 9, 2009 1:38AM

Received an e-mail telling me the domain name is for sell at a premium. Went ahead and tweaked the site at the .net address. Same information with a different address and a change in the look of the site.

ripkenintheminors · December 9, 2009 1:55AM

On a positive note kudos to my secret Santa. A great day to receive a package from a board member. Also a good day to receive my latest Ripken addition in teh mail:

swartz1 · December 9, 2009 2:54AM

<< from my experience interning with an IP lawfirm, cybersquatting cases are some of the easiest (for the plaintiff) to win.

edit: spelling. >>

It all comes down to intent...

what are the true intentions of the squatter...

and what can you prove...

stown · December 9, 2009 3:00AM

<< Received an e-mail telling me the domain name is for sell at a premium. Went ahead and tweaked the site at the .net address. Same information with a different address and a change in the look of the site. >>

Well, maybe after all of the info is wiped clean and they have nothing but a blank page, hopefully that premium will be a minimum.

MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!

ripkenintheminors · December 9, 2009 3:10AM

<< 

<< Received an e-mail telling me the domain name is for sell at a premium. Went ahead and tweaked the site at the .net address. Same information with a different address and a change in the look of the site. >>

Well, maybe after all of the info is wiped clean and they have nothing but a blank page, hopefully that premium will be a minimum.

MUWAHAHAHAHAHA! >>

Yeah it's kinda strange. I'm wondering why they did not just go ahead and register the .net address when they bought the .com address. The information on the .com page is slowly disappearing. I did offer them the appraisal value of the site. It would've been easy money. Then again maybe there's a giant market for people wanting to build minor league sites for Cal Ripken, Jr.

metsfan · December 9, 2009 9:28AM

You might want to check out the following:Domain name forum. it's a domain name forum, they also have a legal topic. Maybe you can get some ideas on how to get the .com back.

DrJ · December 9, 2009 11:26AM

<< domain registration information on whois does not have to be legit. it does make contacting the individual very difficult. I belive GoDaddy actually offers a squat service that if it comes availalbe you automatically purchase it.

what we've done in the past if someone buys a similar name or say the .net/.org equivilant is have our lawyer write up a cease and desist style letter whereas the cyber squaters for the most part cannot buy names to profit off a pre-existing corporate name. friends of mine owned menards.org and menards.net a long time ago (menards is a home depot / lowe's competitor in the midwest) and got a letter stating to transfer ownership or been summoned to court. he issued the transfer pretty quickly, as do most who get letters from our lawyer.

I don't know what recourse you have at this point as it unfortunately appears you may have fallen victim to just not keeping track of it. as for network solutions and verisign being the end all be all of registrations that's not accurate. they typically offer larger insurance coverage and validation of who you are in order to register / secure a site but don't secure / register it any differently. >>

With this guy in Russia, I would bet he would simply laugh at a cease and desist letter if he ever received it in the first place. That being said "Cease and Desist" as well as "Notice and Demand" type letters are surprisingly powerful when utilized by an individual to notify a "legit" business playing games. Usually they simply comply with the demands as they assume you have lawyered up and the next step is a legal proceeding.

ripkenintheminors · December 9, 2009 12:24PM

I considered paying for the .com address. It could've been prevented and I can possibly live with paying the cash. On that note several people have been very gracious to publicly or privately offer me money to help pay the $240 they are seeking for the address. Right now I am trying to get my information off his owned domain.

MantleMarisFordBerra · December 9, 2009 12:56PM

Only $240? I say pay it & chalk it up to a lesson learned. You've put a lot of time into the site, and I think you deserve the name. yeah, it sux you'll be out $240 but c'mon it's not a couple grand. Cough it up & lock that name up from now until the end of time.

Just my humble opinion, best of luck in whatever you decide!

pandrews · December 9, 2009 2:06PM

<< Only $240? I say pay it & chalk it up to a lesson learned. You've put a lot of time into the site, and I think you deserve the name. yeah, it sux you'll be out $240 but c'mon it's not a couple grand. Cough it up & lock that name up from now until the end of time.

Just my humble opinion, best of luck in whatever you decide! >>

metalmike · December 9, 2009 3:17PM

My 20 had.

metsfan · December 10, 2009 2:29AM

The .com just shows a message now. Would think the price would drop considerably.

ripkenintheminors · December 10, 2009 3:17AM

After contacting the hosting group the new owners were prompted to remove the material due to copyright laws.

scashaggy · December 10, 2009 11:41AM

I am sorry you are going through this. Maybe if you let it go for a while they he will let it expire. Maybe he'll figure if you don't want it who else does?

Funny story
When I registered my site in 2006 only the .net was available, the .com was taken but not an active site. Shortly after, I received a letter in the mail, it was the owner of the .com name wanting to sell it to me. I ignored his offer and a few months later I noticed that it was available. I picked it up and now I own aliautos.com and aliautos.net.

ripkenintheminors · December 10, 2009 2:32PM

<< I am sorry you are going through this. Maybe if you let it go for a while they he will let it expire. Maybe he'll figure if you don't want it who else does?

Funny story
When I registered my site in 2006 only the .net was available, the .com was taken but not an active site. Shortly after, I received a letter in the mail, it was the owner of the .com name wanting to sell it to me. I ignored his offer and a few months later I noticed that it was available. I picked it up and now I own aliautos.com and aliautos.net. >>

Yeah it's kinda strange in the sense that I've already moved everything to the .net address and actually enhanced the site with better photo albums for every gallery. Then again I am oblivious to the world of buying/selling domain names for profit so maybe this is the norm. I'm actually amazed that a third party group appraised the .com address and said it's worth $80 or whatever they appraised it at.

WinPitcher · December 10, 2009 3:55PM

So am I to understand that there are people out there that wait for a domain name to expire and they go in and

buy it so they can try to sell it back to the original owner?

Steve

csmtampa · December 10, 2009 3:58PM

<< So am I to understand that there are people out there that wait for a domain name to expire and they go in and

buy it so they can try to sell it back to the original owner?

Steve >>

You would be surprised..... There is a TON of money made by people doing this very thing.

well my website is gone

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