This morning, local developer Taylor purchased yet another domain name. After gloating about it almost non-stop on social media, we tracked them down for an exclusive interview and to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Congrats on the new purchase. What are your plans for it?
I had an idea for a new app I want to vibe code. Something quick I can get done in a weekend. I'll start Friday night, and if I skip my nephew's bris, I should finish Sunday afternoon with plenty of time to write a detailed overview of the project on dev.to.
How often do you purchase a new domain?
Every time I have a new project idea. They come so rarely, so I guess it's not too often. Getting the domain is the first step. If I can't get the domain, I need a different GitHub repo name, and problems just cascade from there. So the domain is the most important part.
And how many do you have?
A little over 400, last I checked. Did you know when you have that many they batch the renewal emails? It's crazy. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I look forward to those emails every Wednesday at 3:30 AM. I set my alarm so I'm awake to read it. It really feels me with pride knowing I'm responsible for that many domains.
Has owning so many domains caused any problems for you?
I had some financial trouble a while back. Owed money to some scary people. But we worked out a good deal. Every 6 months, I hand over my latest stock vestitures from work. After the next one I'll be in the clear. But I learned my lesson and I won't be doing that again. All it takes is losing one finger to realize this isn't how to go through life.
How many side projects have you completed?
I don't think that's relevant right now.
I think it's very relevant. You have too many domains.
I don't. I have the right amount of domains. If I needed more, I would get more. But right now I'm perfectly happy with my collection.
Please, I'm your friend. Why can't you admit you have a problem?
No. You have a problem! I can quit any time I want. I don't need this from you, or anyone!
This affects me as much as you. We were supposed to make a start-up together.
We can still do that. I have the domain! Plus every possible permutation in case people misspell the url. I even sprung for the domains with Cyrillic characters so no one can use a Homoglyph attack to trick our customers with social engineering. It's very important for our cybersecurity start-up.
We were going to make an A.I. start-up!
Oh, the cyber security one must have been with Ted....or Charlie? Doesn't matter, I have the domains so we're all good. Ready to start ASAP.
I've seen you spiral over the years. You're obsessed with domains. Did you even remember your child's birthday last week?
Of course I did! I sent Ava her very own domain. It redirects to her favorite YouTube video.
And you think yet another domain is an acceptible gift for a 7 year old?
It's better than that stupid KPop Demon Hunter doll she wanted. Domains can appreciate over time. Dolls just sit there.
But you have to admit, the songs are catchy.
Oh no doubt. I still stream the soundtrack at least once a week. I wanted to go as Rumi for Halloween, but Ava called dibbs. So I had to go as Zoey instead. Not ideal, but I totally pulled it off.
That's all the time we have for the interview/intervention. Before I let you go, any last thoughts you want share?
I just had an idea for a new project, but I'm a little low on funds. Want to rob the pawn shop across the street with me? I'll split the profits with you, 70/30. What do you say?