-- the .net is the best choice for branding or marketing.<p>I agree which is why, we need more information before making a recommendation as to what is the best course of action. If you are going to rely on word of mouth and a grass roots ground swell then you need a memorable name and I would say that the .com is very important.<p>If you are going to rely on advertising buys and blogger who will be linking to your site then the domain name is less important.<p>The comment about the squatter uploading porn to strong arm you is a very valid concern. If you are in a business where there could be confusion and that could reflect poorly on you then I would avoid the name all together.