A few days ago, I was searching through Snapnames auctions for domain names with bids. I frequently do this to see if there are any names I happen to like that already have bids. I don’t use any software or tools to look through all of the expiring/dropping names, so this is an easy way to see what others have interest in buying.

Two domain names that had one bid each caught my eye. One was a singular version and the other was the plural of the other name. I placed a bid on the singular version a couple of days before it was set to drop, meaning the name would go into a private auction with all of those who placed a back order.

Since I was the second bidder, I figured I wouldn’t be the high bidder and would have the option to bid on it or allow the first bidder to get it at the minimum bid. I was surprised when I received the email informing me that the name went to auction, and I was the high bidder.

After a couple of phone calls with Snapnames, I learned that what happened was the original bidder placed his bid two or three years ago, and when the name dropped, he was entered into the auction. However, because his credit card had expired by the time the name dropped, Snapnames suspended his account, and as a result, I was moved into the leading bidder position.

With the events that transpired recently, I was concerned that this was another similar type of issue, but was relieved to learn it was not. This is something to be mindful of when you place a back order, just in case it’s not a name you are completed interested in buying.

It’s another lazy Sunday afternoon, but I am doing some work while my wife gets some of her work done. Here are some things that I am thinking about today:

I saw a commercial for the movie, Ninja Assassin, and thought it was strange that they are in-market with the domain name Ninja-Assassin-Movie.com. I did some research to see who owns the other names, and I was pretty surprised to see that “Oversee Research and Development, LLC” owns NinjaAssasinMovie.com. I guess Oversee “gets” domain names and Warner Brothers doesn’t.

The first two character .biz auctions are set to begin tomorrow. If you are interested in bidding on any of them, you need to sign up in advance for the auction. The first auctions close on December 7th and the auctions run through February 25, 2010. In total, there are 1,036 auctions.

I am going to be experimenting to see if I can use development platforms such as WhyPark and DevHub to build small sites on longer tail domain names, and then link back to developed websites of mine to give an SEO boost. I will set the test domain names up, add some unique content, and then forget about them. I will check in with them in a few months to see how they are ranking and possible providing an SEO boost.

In a couple of weeks, I am going to be reaching out to my advertisers about renewing in 2010. I haven’t had much movement on most of the spots, but I don’t know if the economy is going to take a toll on advertising budgets next year. I currently have a small waiting list of advertisers, but if you are interested in a spot in the event an advertiser doesn’t renew, please drop me a note. I am planning to offer 6 and 12 month agreements instead of monthly as I did in 2009.

Last week, I asked visitors to help me choose a logo for DogTraining.com, and I was later asked why I privatized the post. A few hours after I blogged, I sold the domain name. The new owner is going to build a similar site to DogWalker.com, and the new logo will probably be used. As always, I appreciate the feedback.