RE: [ga] NSI immediately registering domains that are searched on their site

["Nevett, Jonathon" <jnevett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

George:

 

I'd like to clarify what we are doing.  In response to customer concerns
about Domain Name Front Running (domains being registered by someone
else just after they have conducted a domain name search), we have
implemented a security measure to protect our customers. The measure
will kick in when a customer searches for an available domain name at
our website, but decides not to purchase the name immediately after
conducting the search.  

 

After the search ends, we will put the domain name on reserve. During
this reservation period, the name is not active and we do not monetize
the traffic on these domains. If a customer searches for the domain
again during the next 4 days at networksolutions.com, the domain will be
available to register.  If the domain name is not purchased within 4
days, it will be released back to the registry and will be generally
available for registration.

 

This protection measure provides our customers the opportunity to
register domains they have previously searched without the fear that the
name will be already taken through Front Running. 

 

You are correct that we are trying to take an arrow out of the quiver of
the tasters.  As you know, domain tasters are the largest Front Runners.
Due to no fault of registrars, Front Runners purchase search data from
Internet Service Providers and/or registries and then taste those names.
Some folks may not agree with our approach, but we are trying to prevent
this malicious activity from impacting our customers. 

 

Thanks.

 

Jon

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-ga@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-ga@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of George Kirikos
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 1:23 PM
To: ga@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ga] NSI immediately registering domains that are searched on
their site

 

 

Hi folks,

 

As discussed in the thread at:

 

http://www.domainstate.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=85864

 

Network Solutions is now immediately registering available domains that

are *searched* on their site. I don't see how this will last, though,

given that lawyers can search TM'd names, and then immediately turn

around and sue NSI for TM infringement.

 

For example, see the WHOIS for:

 

http://whois.domaintools.com/wearecybersquatters.com

http://whois.domaintools.com/we-laugh-at-icann.com

http://whois.domaintools.com/icann-staff-suck.com

http://whois.domaintools.com/verizon-should-sue-us.com

 

Registrant:

This Domain is available at NetworkSolutions.com

   13681 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300

   HERNDON, VA 20171

   US

 

I would hope that they would rethink this. Or, perhaps they're just

hoping to accelerate the end of domain tasting, through this "service."

 

Sincerely,

 

George Kirikos

http://www.kirikos.com/