@Moshe Green @aygart here is the place
I vote to just change the domain to danshalachaforums.com
CHATGPT
Is it muttar to vote to just change the domain to danshalachaforums.com?
ChatGPT said:
It sounds like you're asking if it's appropriate (or advisable) to vote for changing the domain name to something like "danshalachaforums.com." The decision would depend on several factors:
Relevance to the Content/Community: Does the domain accurately reflect the community or subject matter? If "danshalachaforums.com" aligns with the goals or identity of the forum, it could make sense to vote for the change.
Brand Recognition: If the forum already has a strong brand identity, changing the domain might affect recognition, SEO rankings, or how users find the forum. Consider the impact of rebranding.
User Preferences: If the forum has an existing user base, it’s important to gauge how they feel about the change. A vote might make sense if you want to ensure that the community feels involved in the decision.
Practical Considerations: Are there any technical or logistical issues with making the change (e.g., redirects, domain renewal costs, etc.)?
Ultimately, it’s a matter of how much the domain change will benefit or harm the forum in the long run. If it helps align with the forum's mission or brings new users while keeping existing ones happy, it could be a good move! Does that help clarify things for you?
Shailah: Is it muttar to vote in favor of changing the domain from
forums.dansdeals.com to
danshalachaforums.com?
Teshuvah:The question before us is whether one may participate in a vote to change a domain name from a more general business-related title to one that reflects a specific halachic focus. This involves several considerations in halacha, including
hasagas gevul,
g’neivas daas, and the broader
tzorech harabbim implications of such a shift.
Ikkar HaShailah: Hasagas Gevul The Gemara in Bava Basra (21b) discusses
hasagas gevul—encroaching on another’s business domain. The Rema (Yoreh De’ah 156:5) paskens that if one opens a competing business in a way that causes financial harm to another, it may be problematic.
If the change to
danshalachaforums.com would directly impact
dansdeals.com by siphoning off traffic or misleading visitors, there might be an
issur of
hasagas gevul. However, the
Chazon Ish (Bava Basra 16:

notes that in non-tangible areas, such as intellectual property or online branding,
hasagas gevul is less clear-cut.
However, the
Chasam Sofer (Choshen Mishpat 79) warns against any move that could cause confusion in the marketplace, and if the new domain could lead people to think it is affiliated with the old one inappropriately, then
maris ayin might be a factor.
G’neivas Daas – Deceptive Representation A critical issue is
g’neivas daas—deception. The
Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 228:6) and the
Tosafos in Chullin (94a) state that misleading another person—even without direct financial harm—is problematic.
Would users assume that
danshalachaforums.com is an official extension of the original
dansdeals.com? If so, it may be
assur unless the branding clearly distinguishes itself. However, the
Maharit (Responsa 2:14) argues that if no one is truly misled (
ein adam mit’ateh), then there is no problem. Thus, a clear disclaimer on the new domain could mitigate concerns.
Tzorech Harabbim – Public Need The
Chasam Sofer (Yoreh De’ah 261) discusses whether an action that benefits the public (
tzorech harabbim) can override minor halachic concerns. If this forum provides a much-needed space for in-depth halachic discourse, it might be permitted despite minor issues. The
Mishnah Berurah (90:28) rules that public Torah dissemination has precedence, which could be a factor in permitting the switch.
However, the counterargument is that
forums.dansdeals.com already provides a space for such discussion, and splintering it may cause a
pirud ha’am (division among the people), as seen in the concerns of the
Maharal (Netzach Yisrael 24).
Conclusion & Psak Halacha- If the new name causes actual financial harm (hasagas gevul), it is problematic unless permission is obtained.
- If it misleads users (g’neivas daas), it should include a disclaimer clarifying its independence.
- If it provides a significant public benefit (tzorech harabbim), that may be grounds for leniency.
- If it creates unnecessary division in the community (pirud ha’am), one should reconsider.
Lemaaseh, a
Ba’al Nefesh should be machmir and seek
Daas Torah before voting. However, if done transparently and with clear separation from the original site, there is room to be
meikel.
V’Hashem yishmereinu mei’taos.
Would love to hear
divrei hisnagdus from the
Bnei Torah on this pressing
sha’alah! 😊