The Domain Collector (a Parable)

“Because something is happening here…But you don’t know what it is…Do you, Mister Jones?” Bob Dylan, Ballad of a Thin Man

The phone rang at the appointed time.

“Mitch, it’s Denny Fowles…I’m the person who emailed you about purchasing your domain forecasttheyears.com.”

“Hello Denny. You know, I’m quite puzzled by your interest in my domain. I purchased it name for its sentimental value and to get a total stranger to offer me $500 for it out of the blue is somewhat suspicious to me. Can you explain to me your sudden interest?”

“Well Mitch, I collect domain names and I really like how your name sounds.”

“That’s the only reason? Do you know the etymology of the phrase ‘forecast the years’? Does it have any special meaning for you?

“No and no. I just really like the phrase…how the words sound together.”

“It’s strange that you could be drawn to this name without understanding or knowing its origins or history. In case you’re curious, the phrase ‘forecast the years’ comes from Tennyson’s ‘In Memorium’:

But who shall so forecast the years
And find in loss a gain to match?

Those two lines have always resonated with me and that’s what caused me to purchase the name. As you can tell, I’ve never developed the domain.”

“Again Mitch, because I really like how the name sounds, I’m prepared to purchase the name from you for $500. If you can show me that the domain is earning parking income that would justify a better price, I would consider making you a higher offer…otherwise, $500 is what I’m willing to pay.”

“Well Denny, I really like how $5,000 sounds and I will sell you the domain for that amount.”

“Mitch, I think you’re trying to take advantage of my generosity. I’m offering you $500 for a domain that’s not likely earning you enough parking revenue to pay its registration cost. I believe my offer is more than fair. If you can get a better offer for your domain, feel free to take it…however, I’d be shocked if anyone besides me would offer you a premium price for a domain that has only sentimental value.”

“Denny, let me think about it and get back to you.”

Two Weeks Later

From: Denny Fowles
To:
Subject: Forecasttheyears.com

Escrow is closed on this domain and it is in my possession. I will now begin the process of transferring it to the client. I’m attaching my commission invoice for $2,000.

Eighteen Months Later (at the movies)

Ralph Fiennes is Liam McTeague. Teenage tragedy drove Liam to the breaking point. But, Liam couldn’t know that surviving such a catastrophic youthful calamity allowed him to develop tremendous inner strength enabling him to overcome an adult horror that would have devastated lesser men. After Liam discovered his wife’s affair with his business partner that threatened both his emotional and financial stability, he didn’t fall apart…he fell into action.

Ralph Fiennes in Forecast The Years. Cate Blanchett, Clare Danes, David Strathairn & Terence Stamp.

Directed by John Boorman

See the trailer at www.forecasttheyears.com.