Should I get the .co.uk

when .com .net and .org already taken

[chunk_split]

I can get a .co.uk domain (i'm in the UK), which is a slang/shortened (6 chars) version of my surname, the only thing is, is that the .com, .net and .org are already taken, the .com and .org are parked, .net is in use.

I want it for my personal site, which currently has my fullname (13 chars) as the domain. The new shortened name will be easier to spell and remember for my visitors.

Would it be a bad idea using this domain, when the others (.com etc) are owned by others? What are the potential complications of only owning the .co.uk?

[Webwork]

If it's for a "personal" site and you're in the UK why worry, unless your "personal name" is also a trademark, famous mark, etc.?

Okay, so maybe some day someone puts up a "bad site" in the parallel extension universe and a friend or family member types that address by mistake. We've likely all been there, done that and survived. ;)

If you want a truly personal website and want to exclude all encroachment then why not make up a name/domain and register in all other extensions?

[Lobo]

There is absolutely no problem there?

If it is just for yourself then there is no need for you to secure your brand ...

Also I've heard people here freaking out ( to some extent ) concerned with trademark and although it offers the company owning it some condition it is by no means cut and dry ...

Even in todays climate, you can still hold a domain which is trademarked if it is for genuine use and not an attempt to deceive ...

Trademark does not give any company the automatic rights to the domain name..

[sparticus]

I think if your audience is mostly form the UK then it makes sense to have a .co.uk domain name - people will identify with it then and feel an affinity with you.

[chunk_split]

Thanks for the replies, I got the domain, it's short and catchy, I’ll probably use it for another blog!