TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN 05/08/2001

Improper Use of the REALTORŪ. Mark -- realtor718.com

Hi all. Nick Proios, REALTORŪ. from NY is here.
On 04/22/2001 I registered the (my) new domain name www.realtor718.com
Since then, I didn't yet submit it to any search engine so-ever.

On 05/03/2001 I received a notice from NAR (National Association of REALTORSŪ.) Legal Affairs Department, notified me that I am in violation of the rules of the National Association and therefore, requesting me to stop using the realtor718 domain name on the Internet.

They claiming that by using the domain name www.realtor718.com I falsely advertising to the public that "718" is a member of the NAR.

They claiming that "realtor718" is my fraudulent identity.
They do allow me to register and use "realtornickproios" or "nickproiosrealtor."
I still don't understand what difference it makes if its "realtornickproios" or "realtor718."

They also advise me that if ever intend to sell the www.realtor718.com domain name, its my legal responsibility to inform the purchaser of the domain name that the National Association will prohibit use of the name on the Internet.

They notified me again on 05/04/2001 to let them know when the www.realtor718.com will been removed from the Internet so they can close their legal file on me.
They also thanking me in advance to resolving this matter amicably.

How fast they are.!
They really have a good "policing squad" on the illegal use of their trademark name, tracking down little guys like me.

One think for sure is that they will vigorously defend their collective trademark in Court.
I am a very little guy and they can have anything I own.
But they will never take my soul.

I never even knew I was in violation of NAR policy regarding REALTORSŪ domain name registration as their (NAR's) policy is hiding on the members-only www.onerealtorpace.com site which you need a username and password to enter, AND I was not even aware of the site in the first place.
Realtor718 doesn't sound so impressive anyway and what damages can my domain name causing them?

And when I tried to locate the domain "realtor718" on the Internet, is nowhere. How they found me?

A search of the keyword "Realtor" made my me on 05/05/2001 in today's popular search engine www.google.com was reveled 711,000 results.
How is possible that 711,000 other people are illegal also?

See for yourself.

I understand that my alternatives are to first sell my domain name to somebody else
(even overseas) and have permission or license from them to use it anyway?

OR

To take the expense and file for a legal name change.

How the name "Eight" sounds to you?
What about First Name: Seven,
Middle Name: One,
Last Name: Eight.

Thanks to NAR's Legal Affair's Department (for the inspiration generated) I now registered and own the following domain names:

http://www.agent718.com
http://www.broker212.com
http://www.broker718.com
http://www.broker516.com
http://www.queenshome.com
http://www.mreight.com
http://www.mr-eight.com
http://www.mr718.com
http://www.narless.org -----> sent e-mail to: narless@aol.com

But its my wish to have the domain "www.realtor718.com" alive, active and well.

Dear Sir(s): If He Does Nothing Wrong, He Doesn't Need the Rules - PLATO.

I am speaking with my attorney regarding this and he is advise me to settle with NAR otherwise they will drown me in legal papers.
What do you think?

Trademark lawyer is very expensive but on the other hand, Aspirin and Escalator, was once trademark words but when people start using them, they become public domain.

Do I need a lot of aspirins? (just kidding - but not laughing) <-------

What I also need is, is the opportunity to sent you a second e-mail with quotes from people REALTORSŪ or Not who is supporting me.

Any e-mails to support me (or correct me) please send at realtor718@aol.com

Thanks for your busy time.

Nick Proios REALTORŪ. <---- In good Standing.!

-----------------------------------------------

UPDATE: 05/11/2001


I am planning of founding NARLESSŪ.
(National Association of Real Estate Professionals who are also REALTORSŪ) or (National Association of Real Estate Professionals who are former REALTORSŪ) or
(National Association of Real Estate
Professionals who were never REALTORSŪ)

I am still in dilemma for the definition.

I will also take the expense and file for a legal name change.
I will change my last name from "Proios" to "Eight", so I will be in compliance with NAR's Internet domain name policy.

How the following slogans also sounds to you?

*****Own A House in Eight Weeks or Less - Call Mr.Eight at www.realtor718.com******

or

******Realtor in Queens NY is forced to change his legal name from a Surname to a Number********

or

******Realtor in Queens NY is changing his legal name from a Surname to a Number********

What do you think?

Nick Proios, REALTORŪ, NARLESSŪ.
Presently at http://www.realtor718.com