kevinpate - 2:16 pm on May 1, 2006 (gmt 0)

testy,

You clearly don't like the domain = real estate analogy. That's fine, I don't either.

I prefer thinking of domain names as bits of art.
Some are like the crayola scratches a child makes. When it becomes yours, it goes on your fridge for a select few to see, but deep down, there's more love than crayola on parchment and it would never be traded for mere money.

Some are like doodles drawn by a warm fire. You create them, you tuck them away and maybe you'll take things a step further some day, maybe not. Some will undoubtedly be discarded, others will become the framework for a nice bit of art.

All are unique works of art. Many can be had for a song because no one really knows the artist yet, but in time, the domain may become more valuable. Some become the inspiration for other forms of art.

Still others are already classic materpieces. Their beauty, and the intrinsic value that accompanies beauty, can far exceed the aquisition price and even border on priceless.

So, one can obtain an endless number of knockoffs of the Mona Lisa. Some will be cheap. Some will be danged near as pleasing to the eye, even admired by many, as the original. At the end of the day each is still a knockoff.

The entity which holds rights and title to the one true Mona Lisa has a large say in deciding what price, if indeed any price, would be sufficient to forego the right and title to make use of the Mona Lisa in accord with individual preference.

As you've already determined your particular work of unique art is not interesting enough for the acquisition price, you now need to decide is it worth bargaining for, or can you be happier with an inexpensive knock-off, one which you can turn into something others will also admire.

After all, Mona has an interesting smile, but there is more than one way to cause and enjoy a smile.

Luck to you as you move forward.