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I'm currently using @zeeenmedia because someone on the other side of the world has an account, used only intermittently, named @zeeen.

Is there a good way to contact that user to work out a swap?

How have other startups handled this problem?

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3 Answers

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Why don't you DM them and ask?

It is a sign of the times though. Any new venture has to do a lot of name-checks to see if they are available. Used to be just the .com, now Twitter, Facebook, etc need to be free too.

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unfortunately they speak another language and aren't following me so I can't DM them either way... – Blaise Freeman Aug 28 '11 at 18:00
Okay, but you can still message them, via Twitter. Use Google translate if you don't know the language. It isn't perfect, but better than nothing. Also, the person in question seems to be on LinkedIn, which might be able to help. You could write to him at SK Telecom in Korea to make contact, as a last resort. – Steve Jones Aug 28 '11 at 18:12
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In all seriousness if you own a trademark for zeeen then Twitter will release the name to you.

Username squatting is prohibited by the Twitter Rules.

If your report involves impersonation or trademark infringement, please consult those policies for instructions for reporting these accounts. Please note that if an account has had no updates, no profile image, and there is no intent to mislead, it typically means there's no name-squatting or impersonation. Note that we will not release inactive or squatted usernames except in cases of trademark infringement.

Attempts to sell, buy, or solicit other forms of payment in exchange for usernames are also violations and may result in permanent account suspension.

https://support.twitter.com/entries/18370-name-squatting-policy

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Try to go after @neeez. It's catchy because it's @zeeen spelled backwards and judging by her tweets, it looks like she may be more open for a swap!

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Interesting idea thanks for the suggestion. – Blaise Freeman Aug 30 '11 at 11:51

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