Network Solutions amends Net registration process

Network Solutions, a dominant registrar of Internet sites, has stepped back from some controversial elements of a new registration process.

Network Solutions had implemented some changes in an attempt to curtail "front-running," a process in which a company registers a domain name as soon as somebody searches to see if it's available; front-running can turn a registrar into the exclusive holder of a domain and therefore potentially charge more for it than locked-out competing registrars.

The company's changes--which included automatically registering a domain name when somebody searched for it--backfired, and critics accused Network Solutions itself of front-running.

Changes are coming. Spokeswoman Susan Wade said Wednesday that Network Solutions is "making improvements to our protection measure."

One change is that the company will offer only an "under construction" page for sites that it has reserved. For a look at the promotional material it used earlier, a screenshot is preserved at the site of one critical editorial at Domain Name Wire. But that won't be relevant long, because newly reserved names won't "resolve"--in other words, they won't be linked to the numerical Internet addresses that allow Web browsers to locate the pages.

Another change coming soon is that Network Solutions will register domains only when people search for domains from the company's home page. No longer will it do so when people use the company's Whois search page, Wade said.

[`WarpKat]

It's a Start

I still think they need to find a way to negotiate a fairer price for domains - $39 is extremely high when others do it for less than $6 nowadays.

They should come up with a way that if someone does search for the domain and they hold it, they should then allow the person to register it through a qualified registrar like GoDaddy and get a small kickback.

But hey - what they're proposing is a start and we can't really expect too much change from a public outcry considering that they ARE a corporation.

It's not some kind of insurance company denying anyone an organ transplant in the face of death, is it?

[Rusty Campbell]

Network Solutions

This company has always been on the shady, predatory side. This newest stunt is just in keeping with the policies they've had for years.

[PRKeating]

NSI's "basis" not correct

The problem I have with NSI's statement is the asserted basis for what they are doing. If their concern is front-running then one would think that they would "reserve" the name for the person who performed the WHOIS or Availability look-up. However, they do not do so. Immediately after doing a WHOIS, the name is registered to NSI and the NServers are set to "Reserveddomains.com" (also NSI). The WHOIS contains a note stating that the domain is for sale.

Anyone can then go in and purchase the domain from NSI. In the meantime, NSI is tasting the domain and generating PPC revenues.

If they want to create a reservation system, it would be simple enough. E.g. after doing a WHOIS, the user could be presented with a screen asking if they want to have the domain "reserved" for a period (e.g. the 4 day add/grace). IF they say yes, it is reserved. If not, it is not reserved. Obviously, if one does not want to reserve the name, they are not concerned about front-running. NSI could even reasonably charge a fee for such a service.

The truth is thus found in the inherently faulty "basis" for their own undertaking. Simply put it appears they were caught merely tasting and trying to put a good face on it.

[pualynn]

Another Network Solutions Scam

I recently observed first hand another Network Solutions scam. Another company wanted to buy our domain name. We agreed, but I discovered the email address for our domain was incorrect in the Network Solutions data base. I changed it, as owner of the domain. Network solutions then informed me that, as a result of a change of email address, the domain could only be transferred to an existing Network Solutions account, not out of Network Solutions, for 60 days. I say, "BOYCOTT NETWORK SOLUTIONS" .. what is ICANN thinking of to allow this behavoir?? Have you ever tried to actually talk to Network Solutions? You end up with robots in the Phillipines. Sad state of affairs.

[hdread]

Afilias registry opposes Domain Name Front Running

Afilias, a global registry services company that supports more than 13 million domains names world wide, has issued an official statement discouraging the practice of Domain Name Front Running. http://www.afilias.info/news/press_releases/pr_articles/2008-01-14-01