Social Network Sites' problem with trademark squatting
 

http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2009...ial-media.html

Even social media success stories like Dell Computer have their own troubles.

Digital squatters are still trying, creating potential headaches for companies. For example, Dell grabbed facebook.com/dell, but Jeremy Fancher, a student at Washington University in St. Louis, registered facebook.com/dellcomputer and plans to try to sell it. A Dell spokesman declined to comment.

?I think it would be sort of funny if another computer company buys it,? Mr. Fancher said. ?It all illustrates how murky the water is when signing up for these accounts.?

Of course, the biggest problem may be the attitude of people like Mr. Fancher who have plenty of online experience but no business experience. They are opportunists. Since that?s a hallmark of capitalism it?s hard to get completely upset but what seems to easily get shelved in this environment are basic moral and ethical tenets all in the name of making a quick buck. Sure, Facebook, says these ID?s are not transferrable but how will they stop a purchase outside of their system (i.e Fancher to Dell) that is simply an agreement to turn the account and all the access data to Dell without even touching Facebook?s system?

Are adult companies/solo girl sites facing this same problem?

Considering how much of an influence social networks have over search engines, this was bound to happen.
WG

Yep. Social network profiles and social bookmarking = SE love. Although Google is beginning to wise up on the more obvious abuse of the latter.