This morning, Wheedle general manager Carl Rees pointed out to NBR a site called Whedle.co.nz,
Whedle's home page states: Click here to visit New Zealand's premier Online Auction site which redirects visitors to Trade Me.
According to Whedle's site counter, it has had 21,212 views.
"If Trade Me are behind this they are doing us a huge favour," Mr Rees said.
The truth lies further south.
Domain Name Commission records show the mischievous Whedle.co.nz was registered by Dunedin man Ryan Priemus.
Mr Priemus told NBR he had no link whatsoever to Trade Me. He works outside the tech industry.
A message on Whedle.co.nz says "This site is available for advertising, redirection, or outright sale."
NBR asked if Mr Priemus was making a financial play.
He said he had "not particular motivation" for registering Whedle.co.nz and launching the site. But if Wheedle wanted to make him an offer for the domain, he would be willing to consider it. He had no particular price in mind.
"I do register a lot of domains," Mr Priemus added.
When told Whedle.co.nz was potentially on offer, GM Carl Rees told NBR the site would not make an offer.
NBR staff
Tue, 02 Oct 2012
Tue, 02 Oct 2012
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Wheedle boss asks - is TradeMe behind Whedle.co.nz? No, it's this guy
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