[At-Large] Domain name front-running by Network Solutions

[Alan Greenberg]

Wendy, thanks for soliciting input on this.

Given the case that has been made by some registrars for the 
non-tasting uses of the AGP, I have tried to make the case that there 
may be other ways of eliminating tasting which could be as effective 
and certainly quicker to implement. Although these other methods may 
well address NetSol's new and innovative use of the AGP, the fact 
that they have started "helping" users in this way does put the 
statements of registrars in question.

Note that as a result of the outcries, NetSol has already made some 
changes - 
http://blog.domaintools.com/2008/01/network-solutions-is-getting-better/. 
They no longer register the name if just queried - only when it is 
put in your shopping basket. Also, they are now registering the name 
so that it does not show up in zone file update (where domainers 
seeking to monetize the name could see it). It is hard to believe 
that being the world's oldest commercial registrar, they could not 
have foreseen these issues. That notwithstanding, it is encouraging 
that they have made these changes.

On the relatively rare occasions where someone is trying to register 
a name that is likely to be immediately wanted by others 
(the-latest-natural-disaster.org or BUY-apple's-newest-product.com), 
the NetSol service could be considered a good thing. But even then, 
it should be an opt-in selection, and it should be held for a 
reasonable amount of time to complete the transaction. When I buy 
theatre tickets, I am told the seats will be held for 10 minutes to 
allow me to complete the transaction. I can see no defendable 
position for holding a domain name for four days simply because that 
is slightly under the AGP period. If NetSol continues to do this, 
this will simply force other registrars to do the same, otherwise it 
gives NetSol a competitive advantage (putting a name in their 
shopping cart allows you to block other registrants for 4 days 
without putting up any money).

Alan

At 16/01/2008 07:27 AM, Wendy Seltzer wrote:
>It is a subject of serious concern among many at the Board level.
>Please share thoughts you'd like me to add to the discussion.  I've
>already pointed toward ALAC's statement on the add-grace period, since
>that's what NetSol is exploiting.
>
>--Wendy