Seth from FreshDrop.net just informed me of a new FREE software his team has created for sniping GoDaddy domain auctions. The new software is fittingly called uSniper. I did a quick Google search and could not find any comparable products. I did come across a domainer forum that was looking for a tool like this. Hmmm, maybe Seth read the forum and decided to create the solution.

What is auction sniping?
Auction sniping is the process of watching a timed online auction (such as on eBay), and placing a winning bid at the last possible moment (often seconds before the end of the auction), giving the other bidders no time to outbid the sniper. Some bidders do this manually, and others use software designed for the purpose.

How does it work?
Download the software from uSniper.com and install. The current version only works on Windows based computers and for GoDaddy auctions.

Once the program is installed, you simply open the software, log in and set the desired snipe bid time (i.e. 5 seconds remaining or 2 minutes and 5 seconds remaining). Simply add each domain name you want into USniper along with your desired high bid. Bids can be edited or canceled at any point before the auction ends.

The number one reason why I like this software is that you set your bid and walk away. For someone like myself who hates losing will continue bidding and bidding until I win. This software takes the emotion out of the auction process. With this I can set my educated bid and forget about it.

***UPDAT 3/12/09***

Software/GoDaddy compatibility issues have caused this program to be buggy and not work properly. It has been weeks now and these issues still have not been resloved. I have removed the links to uSniper.com, download at your own risk. My personal opinion, don’t use it. I really dislike when a company launches something and it is not ready!!!

This one is hilarious. I know a bunch of domainers that are holding out for the “BIG” offer.

Click on the image to enlarge.

If you have an idea for a comic strip please post in comments or submit via contact form. The comic strip can be anything related to the online world. If your idea is used you will be awarded with a $10 GoDaddy or Amazon gift card, your choice.

Do you consider your blog a business? I do, although I thoroughly enjoy this it is still a business that needs to produce income.

One of the essential elements of owning a business is branding. Today I want to specificity discuss branding a blog.

I’m going to share what I believe to be two different aspects of branding.

Brand
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a “name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers.

It is my belief that I have achieved this with Chef Patrick. Something catchy, unique and easy to remember. It is to the point now where people call me Chef or Chef Patrick, which by the way I am not a cook.

“Sellable” Brand
The ability to take a brand and package it for sale.

The main ingredient for creating a brand is a domain name. As I have already stated I believe I have achieved a brand with Chef Patrick but, I have failed in creating a SELLABLE brand. I would essentially have to find another Patrick to sell my blog.

When picking your domain name I want you to seriously take into consideration your future plans and possible goals. If creating a brand, something sellable then do not use your personal name. Take into consideration what your main topic will be and find a domain name that matches.

Just to give you a few examples…
If you are wanting to create a domaining video blog then go with something like DNVideoBlogger.com. It sends a clear message that if you come to this site you are going to see someone video blogging about domain names. Passionate about trains, how about LocomotiveNews.com. Maybe you love celebrity gossip, CelebrityBlabber.com is a perfect fit.

By the way I do own the example domain names so if you are interested in one just send me an email.

I was going through some of my Sedo sales before heading to bed and noticed a domain name I just had to post about.  It’s late though and the sale doesn’t end for a few hours, I will be sure to post the results in the morning.

In the mean time…

Wedo, an obvious typo for Sedo is being sold on Sedo.com. Current bid is at $10,100 USD, only two bidders. How ironic that this name is being sold through Sedo.

Check it out for yourself, click here.

***UPDATE***

Wedo.com sold for $16,700. Last night I mentioned only the typo of Sedo but this is a true GEM. A great call to action domain name, “We Do” can mean a lot. Having said that I am a little surprised it went for so little. Maybe it was the timing of the auction, it did end around 3am est. Great buy whomever picked up WeDo.com, best of luck to you.

Want to win a free domain name? Think you’re funny?

I need ideas for my weekly domainer comic strips. Please submit your ideas in the comment section of this post, make sure to leave good email address. Winners will be notified by email along with a list of domain names to choose from.

Thank you in advance and I look forward to your submissions.