Domain names are on my radar today. I have 100 plus domains as of this writing. However, I have just a handful of websites. My colleagues think I'm a bit nuts but I do have a strategy for why I have and continue to buy lots of domain names.

Now, here's the strategy that I use to justify my domain habit.

When I think of a project, product or service that I might develop in the next few years, I grab the domain name. This is my way of protecting the idea until I know if or what I will develop using that domain name. While domain names don't offer the protection that trademarks do, it does cast my anchor into the internet world.

And, at less than $10 each, it is an economical layer of basic idea protection.

If I decide that I am not going to develop the idea behind a domain name that I own, I can release it or sell it.

Last, I only buy .coms because the other .whatevers don't seem to be memorable. And, branded marketing is about owning a part of the consumer's mind-share with a memorable anchor.

I would love to hear your thoughts about domain ownership. Just add your comment below.