picking a domain name.

[benlee]

Im getting ready to buy a domain name to possibly start a webpage in the future but i also want an email address @thedomain.com for my immediate gratification. It will involve my name but other than that....anyone have any rules of thumb or things to look out for when picking a domain name. Thanks all.

[Eraserhead]

one that noone else has yet :p, other than that no, I currently own <firstname><lastname>.com, so I suppose thats a sensible format.

[milatchi]

Well, you can't have my favoirte domain: clownpenis.fart

[djstarrock]

Well don't make it too long also make it that so it kinda easy for other people to remember.

[Ugg]

Mine is my last name so my email address is pretty easy to figure out!

If you go with your name, remember that you'll be much easier for future employers and partners to find. Also, if you have some esoteric interest like the erotic habits of turtles and you start posting it on your website.... Well, let's just say all your friends will find out pretty quickly!

My website is devoted to my family history so it makes sense to use my name.

It also makes sense to pick a name that will reflect your interests, not only now but in the future too. If you think that your interests will change over time, it's probably best to pick something more generic that will have long term appeal.

It really depends upon what you want to use your website for.

[Markleshark]

Cheapest I've found for domains are tosdomains.net (http://www.tosdomains.net), $8.88 a year.

Thought IIRC Godaddy are doing an offer at the moment, you'll have to check that out though.