In 2015, Google mistakenly put its domain up for sale.
When this former employee realized this, he bought it for just $12.
Google had no choice but to give him what he wanted.
His answer? He didn't ask for $100,000. Not even $100 million.
This is what he asked for instead:
When this former employee realized this, he bought it for just $12.
Google had no choice but to give him what he wanted.
His answer? He didn't ask for $100,000. Not even $100 million.
This is what he asked for instead:
At 1:20 AM on September 29, 2015, one of the most visited domains in the world became available.
, the digital gateway of one of the largest technology companies.
A domain that receives billions of visits per month.
But something was very wrong... Google.com
, the digital gateway of one of the largest technology companies.
A domain that receives billions of visits per month.
But something was very wrong... Google.com
The domain appeared for sale on Google Domains.
Not by millions. Not even by thousands.
Only $12.
Many would have thought it was a mistake. But one man knew it was real...
Not by millions. Not even by thousands.
Only $12.
Many would have thought it was a mistake. But one man knew it was real...
His name was Sanmay Ved.
A former Google employee who worked at the company as an account strategist between 2007 and 2012.
That night, while browsing Google Domains, he saw something that shocked him:
A former Google employee who worked at the company as an account strategist between 2007 and 2012.
That night, while browsing Google Domains, he saw something that shocked him:
I could buy .
So he did what anyone would do: he clicked "add to cart."
You entered your card details expecting an error.
But then something extraordinary happened... Google.com
So he did what anyone would do: he clicked "add to cart."
You entered your card details expecting an error.
But then something extraordinary happened... Google.com
The purchase is complete.
Your card was charged $12.
At that time, Ved owned the most valuable domain in the world.
And suddenly, he started receiving inside information confirming it was real...
Your card was charged $12.
At that time, Ved owned the most valuable domain in the world.
And suddenly, he started receiving inside information confirming it was real...
Ved had access to Google Webmaster tools.
I could see internal data for sites on Google Sites.
He had control over one of the most valuable assets in technology.
But instead of taking advantage of it...
I could see internal data for sites on Google Sites.
He had control over one of the most valuable assets in technology.
But instead of taking advantage of it...
Ved immediately informed Google about the error.
He owned the domain for about a minute before Google reclaimed it.
He could have caused chaos by redirecting traffic.
But he chose integrity. And Google had a surprise for him...
He owned the domain for about a minute before Google reclaimed it.
He could have caused chaos by redirecting traffic.
But he chose integrity. And Google had a surprise for him...
Google offered him a reward of $6,006.13
Why such a specific amount?
Look closely: the numbers spell "Google" in Leetspeak.
But Ved's response left the executives in shock...
Why such a specific amount?
Look closely: the numbers spell "Google" in Leetspeak.
But Ved's response left the executives in shock...
He refused the money.
He asked Google to donate it to the Art of Living India Foundation, an NGO that operates 1,262 schools.
I wanted to help underprivileged children receive an education.
Google's reaction?
He asked Google to donate it to the Art of Living India Foundation, an NGO that operates 1,262 schools.
I wanted to help underprivileged children receive an education.
Google's reaction?
They doubled the donation.
Not because Ved asked for it.
But because his act inspired the company.
The money now would help twice as many children.
Not because Ved asked for it.
But because his act inspired the company.
The money now would help twice as many children.
Ved showed that integrity is not just about doing the right thing.
It's using your position - however brief - to help others.
He could have taken advantage of a mistake made by a large company.
Instead, he turned it into an opportunity to educate children.
It's using your position - however brief - to help others.
He could have taken advantage of a mistake made by a large company.
Instead, he turned it into an opportunity to educate children.
Today, this case remains a reminder:
True wealth is not how much you can take.
It's how much you can give.
And sometimes, the most valuable thing in life isn't measured in money...
True wealth is not how much you can take.
It's how much you can give.
And sometimes, the most valuable thing in life isn't measured in money...
Stay ahead in the AI revolution with my newsletter! 🚀
Join 25,000 readers to get the latest AI insights, tools, tutorials, and guides.
Subscribe for free:
joinaiinsights.com/subscribe
Join 25,000 readers to get the latest AI insights, tools, tutorials, and guides.
Subscribe for free:
joinaiinsights.com/subscribe
That's all for now.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please :
Like, repost, and follow me @Damn_Coder for more!
If you enjoyed reading this post, please :
Like, repost, and follow me @Damn_Coder for more!
https://twitter.com/1481571894952611841/status/1939014092947357826
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
