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12/13/2006: "Egg On My Face"

Man . . . what a wild ride the last few days has been. I’ve just narrowly come back from the dark internet underworld. Saturday morning I discovered that not only was my website down, it was now wholly owned and operated by another business. What?! How does this happen?!

My domain registration lapsed without my knowing. Apparently the domain name registrar had ancient contact information on file – they tried unsuccessfully to get a hold of me, so the domain went up for grabs. Curious that a high-tech company only uses email in this case. Also curious they claim to have “disconnected” the site for one month prior to opening the cybersquatting floodgate. It was up as of Friday, that much I do know.

I’m willing to own up to the fact I did not keep this information current. This is one of those out of sight, out of mind situations that silently crept up and wacked me over the head. I was sick all weekend trying to figure things out. Finally on Monday I was able to come to a “reasonable” agreement with the guy who purchased my site, buying it back for a “small” fee. What a painful lesson to learn.

I thought I would post this for two reasons – so that others might learn from my unfortunate mistake and as an explanation for those who may have tried to access the site and/or send email in the last few days. If you’re here reading this, you’ve obviously re-visited the site. Please re-send email if it was bounced back. Thanks.