What is a Para-Site?
A para-site is a Web site that mainly depends on a typographical error, domain name mistake, or misspelling to attract people to its Web site. A para-site accomplishes this by choosing a domain name that is very similar to the intended site. A para-site is so named because, just as a biological parasite feeds off of a host, these sites feed off other sites. In many cases, there may be little to no marketing associated with a para-site at all — just a clever name. Some companies will buy domain names similar to their actual Web site just to keep a para-site from being able to take advantage of the name. One of the most famous of these is whitehouse.org. While the official name of the chief executive’s Web site is whitehouse.gov, anyone using the .org extension will find a much different site. Though the site has been toned down from its early days, it serves as a political commentary and satire site on the current occupant in the Oval Office. While some para-sites can be harmless or ev
