10-26-2006, 12:02 PM
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Confirmed User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 5,430
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They give the domain name to the city for free,
Then the city turns around and sells it for 120k 
Quote:
By MIKE GRUSS, The Virginian-Pilot
© October 26, 2006
CHESAPEAKE - For nearly 10 years, Lizz Gunnufsen e-mailed a Massachusetts-based software company asking about the domain name on its intranet, chesapeake.com.
Gunnufsen, a coordinator in Chesapeake's public communications department, reminded the company every six months that the city was interested in the site. She had no money to offer, just good will from The City that Cares.
"I didn't really ever think we would get it," she said.
Besides, the city didn't need the name. For the past six years, it has promoted cityofchesapeake.net as its primary site. It also maintains www.chesapeake.va.us. But some city employees wondered why Chesapeake didn't own the name that seemed a natural fit: chesapeake.com.
Then Gunnufsen's work paid off. Big time.
In fall 2005, the company, Aspen Technology, decided it no longer needed the site and gave the domain name to the city for nothing.
However, this summer, Chesapeake Energy Corp., a natural gas company, approached the city with an offer for the newly acquired domain. Negotiations ensued, and on Tuesday, the City Council voted to sell the name for $120,000 to Chesapeake Energy Corp.
Now city officials hope to close the deal in upcoming weeks.
The city will use the money for a quarterly newsletter for residents. If Chesapeake Energy decides it no longer wants the name, the site will revert to the city at no cost.
As for Aspen Technology, when Gunnufsen called to tell them about the offer, they reminded her the name had been a gift.
A goodwill gesture apparently worth $120,000.
Reach Mike Gruss at (757)222-5207 or [email protected].
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