I'm sure there is a better place in this hierarchical conversation for this contribution, but I've only got a few minutes before my next meeting. I'm sure some of you understand. :)

Some of us should be categorically excluded from this whole "free product, what'd you expect?" sentiment.

And here's why. May I present... an email that Google sent me in 2006.

Wow, I'd almost forgotten that GAFYD was *not* the first name of this thing...

Note these keywords: 2006, beta, bulk, offer, helping.

    Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 19:31:46 -0700
    From: hosted-noreply@google.com
    To: ____@gmail.com
    Subject: Gmail for ____.net beta tester invitation
    
    Welcome to our beta test!
    
    
    Thanks for helping us test Gmail for your domain!  We're excited
    to help you offer Gmail accounts with your domain.
    
    Here's how to get started:
    
        * First, click the link below. Log in with the same Google
          Account you used to volunteer to become a beta tester.
    
    https://www.google.com/hosted/____.net
    
        * Next, we'll guide you through a series of steps to register
          your domain for this service.
        
        * We'll then ask you to create a new administrative account
          for your domain. Most people choose something like
          admin@____.net.
        
        * You can then log in to the control panel (
          https://www.google.com/hosted/____.net ) with your
          administrative account. Within the control panel, you can
          create new users, modify or suspend accounts, create aliases
          and lists, and customize the look and feel of Gmail for
          ____.net. You can even upload whole lists of new
          users with the bulk upload feature, and assign
          administrative rights to multiple accounts.
        
        * Finally, you'll need to configure your DNS MX records to
          work with Gmail.  Once you log in to the control panel,
          you'll see detailed instructions on how to complete this
          step. If you get stuck, you can access our help center.
    
    Thanks again for helping us out,
    
    The Gmail Team
    

---

Here is the original, in screenshot form, redacted, with highlighting of those keywords: https://imgur.com/a/wQdMCIz

You see, they wanted to use my cool vanity domain to entice users to join their Gmail service. It was all about Gmail "on" my domain.

Now, let's talk about official notices and migration assistance.

You hear me, Uncle G?

I'm guessing that back then, you didn't know where this was going. But don't act like I've been freeloading... I *paid* *my* *dues*, and more. The least you can do now is help me pack.