When I have an idea that’s exciting enough (to me at least) that I could actually imagine acting on it, I quickly come up with some sort of name and buy a related domain for one year.
That’s one year until you have to decide whether it’s still interesting enough. One year to decide if you’ll recommit. One year where at least some small part of the idea is real.
I used to think that this was bad. That the renewal reminder email was judgment; shame. Now though, I just see it as a small vote for an idea, and the renewal reminder as reflection.
You can’t commit to every idea you’ll have. Sometimes you might even forget that you had an idea (and bought a domain… or five). A small vote is still a vote though, and knowing that past-you found something interesting enough to cast this vote is useful information.
Sometimes it turns out to be the wrong time.
Other times a more interesting idea comes along.
Rarely you simply re-think, and think the idea is bad.
Come renewal, you can decide to:
- commit to the idea fully now
- cast your vote for another year
- add it back to the domain pool
- renew, but gift to someone else
Purchasing a domain is almost-guaranteed reflection a year later. It’s an opportunity to see how your interests have changed, or to consider whether a friend has something more to say on this idea.
Sometimes it’s a goofy domain like proudlypathetic.club, and sometimes it’s simply your name. Whatever it is, feel good about it, and keep casting your votes. There are no rules other than your own.