I’m SO in demand…

For the last two years that I have had this domain registered, I have been keeping an eye on bredenberg.com (without the "s"), thinking it might be nice to have. About a year and a half ago, the registration lapsed, but before I noticed, a company in Korea had registered the domain, and has been sitting on it ever since. From time to time I have tried to visit the domain to see if they are doing anything with it other than sitting on it, but they were not.

Last week, I tried again, and noticed that they have put a page up now declaring that the domain is for sale. Interested, I followed their link, and sent an email asking what they would be willing to accept to part with such a hot commodity (wink, wink... nudge, nudge) as bredenberg.com. Below is the chain of email communication that ensued. I'll let it speak for itself, but I must say I feel honored that they not only think my last name is worth that much, but that I would be successful enough someday to buy it!

My inquiry was through a web-based form on their site. Their reply is as follows:

Dear Sir,

Domain Name : bredenberg.com

First of all, Thank you for being interested in our premium domain name
"bredenberg.com".
This domain name is for sale now.

Our asking price is USD$1,900. (Refer to below sites)
(http://goldname.com/price_policy.htm)
(http://goldname.com/asking_price.htm)

As the demand for premium domain names is changing daily, this asking
price is valid for only 10 days from the date of this e-mail.

If you want purchase this domain name, please let me know.
We will transfer fast and safety using escrow
service(http://www.escrow.com).
If you have any question, please e-mail to me.
This domain name may get you good luck.
Thank you.

Best Regards,

Kim (Sales & Marketing)
E-mail: Domain@goldname.com

GoldName.com Inc.
http://goldname.com
Tel: +82.32-231-2990
Fax: +82.32-233-2990

While I'm honored at having my last name in their category of "Premium" domains, I thought $1,900 was a bit much, USD or not. Here is my reply...

You have got to be kidding! Who do you think is going to buy that domain
for that price? I hope you have more success with your other domains...

Thinking that was the last of it, I was surprised to find this response later that day:

Dear Sir.

Thank you for your prompt response.
If you felt that my asking price is expensive, inform your last price that
you can buy it.
If your price is reasonable, I may consider transfer domain name.
Thank you.

Regards,

Kim (Sales & Marketing)
E-mail: Domain@goldname.com

GoldName.com Inc.
http://goldname.com
Tel: +82.32-231-2990
Fax: +82.32-233-2990

Well, alright, why not?

Thank you for your reply.

At this time, I feel I can offer you only $40 for the domain. I do not
have a business use for it that would justify spending more, but merely
want to use it as a family site. I have searched for businesses which
might have Bredenberg in or as their name, and might therefore want the
domain more than I do. However, I have found none, so I do not feel there
is much demand for the domain you are holding.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Rollin Bredenberg

I think that's reasonable, don't you? After all, I haven't heard of any telecom or IT startups planning to call themselves Bredenberg, have you?

Dear Sir.

Thank you for your offer.
But, I am sorry to you.
I can not sell domain name fewer than US$500.
It is our interior regulation.
http://goldname.com/price_policy.htm
But, You offered US$40 now.
Do you have mind that purchase it for US$500?
If you accept this price, let me know. I will transfer to you rapidly.
Or, we will wait for next time buyer.
Thank you.

best regards.

Kim (Sales & Marketing)
E-mail: Domain@goldname.com

GoldName.com Inc.
http://goldname.com
Tel: +82.32-231-2990
Fax: +82.32-233-2990

Well, despite his valorous attempt at English grammar, I don't really think he's all that sorry! $500?!? May his company go out of business and find themselves at the mercy of the people they fleeced for domain names!

*brushes the dust from his feet and walks off into the sunset*