Disease associated domain names

I want to have a look at domain names associated with diseases and what to look for in those domain names. Domain names associated with diseases may be worth investing in.

In the latest issue of Science, there is a paper on genes linked to inherited susceptibility to autism. A subscription is needed to read the articles in most of these journals but may be available through your public library or college. They are a great source of ideas for such domain names.

As there is plenty of communication around these diseases on social media nowadays, a company like socialconceptsconsulting has proved that digital communication and social media are very important for those are concerned.

Autism

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome.

The incidence of autism appears to be increasing though it is unclear whether this is because of better detection or an actual increase in the number of people affected. It mainly occurs in males and requires considerable support services and can have quite an impact on the family both emotionally and financially.

Autism has been linked in the media to vaccination especially those with thimersal, a mercury containing preservative but no good scientific evidence backs this connection. Vaccinations have been thimersal-free for some time but no decrease in autism incidence has been noted.

Autism and Domaining

Autism related domain names benefit from the following characteristics

• Increased incidence
• Strong media coverage
• Controversy
• Activism by family, lawyers etc
• Associated support services e.g. speech therapy, behavioral therapy etc
• Strong impact on family both emotional and financial

Disease related domain names benefit from these characteristics. Google trends is one tool that helps evaluate some of these factors e.g. autism. The associated treatments and services will provide the revenue when the domain name is parked or developed. 

Ethics of disease domaining

You may question the ethics of benefiting financially from disease related domain names. In my opinion, this is a matter of finding your own level of comfort. If I receive an inquiry from a nonprofit/charity for a disease related domain name, I am more likely to part with it for a nominal sum or even give it away depending on the circumstances. You may be able to write off the amount against your taxes but consult your financial adviser first.

I have less issues with developed domains where information on the disease, treatment and services are provided. You can even develop the domain into a referral service, collecting the money from the service providers rather than patients or families of patients.

Related posts

• Domain Aging
• Domain Trademark disputes
• Encouraging good anchor text for inbound links
• A word from the wise

Summary

Look for disease related domains that have these characteristics

• associated with increasing incidence of the disease
• may have controversy associated with the disease or treatment
• the disease has a strong impact on patient, family and support services
• gets media coverage