Unless you own any trademark / copyright rights to dell related materials, what you have done crosses a line whether you want to admit it or not. What you did is definitely not unique but the “everyone else is doing it so it’s OK” argument doesn’t hold up. Using that logic, then it’s OK to cheat on an exam at Washington University, which is among the top academic schools in the country, in instances where everyone is doing it. Just because it is being done by many doesn’t make anything less right or wrong. You are basically taking something that has trademark implications, then, by your own admission, finding it funny that anyone (meaning, I assume, the highest bidder for YOUR advantage) can buy it. I can’t make you see moral and ethical standards, that’s your job. You’re not breaking any laws that I am aware of so legally you are safe but your own image being developed will be that of an opportunist who doesn’t think there are other measurements to situations than just pure ‘legality’ of your actions. It’s a matter of worldview really.

You are correct, however, that this is my opinion but the warrant that it lacks in your eyes is your opinion. That’s what I see as a problem ….. your disregard for the idea that taking something that logically should belong to someone else, is OK. Would there be ANY value to you in having the dellcomputer facebook URL if Dell hadn’t worked long and hard to build their brand? Did you consider going after some lesser brands as well? Since others are not as well known as Dell and may not have the wherewithal or desire to pay to protect their brand they may not have ‘warranted’ your attention. I suppose that if the entity that eventually ‘buys’ the URL does so to intentionally harm or misrepresent Dell in some way it’s not your problem, right? In fact, you think it’s funny.

Thanks again for weighing in. It’s not often I am called brazen! Best wishes to you.

Frank Reed’s last blog post..Online Identity At Risk More Than Ever

What moral and ethical tenets do you invoke in criticizing my potentially selling the URL to Dell? What harm is done by my taking facebook.com/dellcomputer? Your commentary lacks warrant in this regard.

I work for GizaPage.com where we built a platform for individuals, corporates, brands, non-profits etc to organize all their social presence at one place so it is easy to manage, brand and promote it.