Not that anyone we know uses Network solutions as a registrar, but it seems that Network Solutions is immediately registering and holding any domain name you search for if you don’t buy it from them right then, basically holding it hostage so you can’t buy it anywhere else. (according to this report)
So I tried it myself…
I just went through the process at Netsol – (Logged in) and looked for this domain – netsol-is-within-their-rights.com
It was available, so I added to cart
Then I clicked around, went back to cart – removed item – logged out – went to Godaddy
Where I found this…
I searched the Whois, and got this –
Hmm – seems like it’s true, but so what? This forum currently has 25 pages of opinions, but here’s my thought…
Why is it so controversial? It seems like common sense to me, that you’d expect a good idea to get grabbed up. If you casually told a real estate agent about a hot piece of property without a non-disclosure agreement, then you didn’t buy it from them, could they buy it?
I see no problem with what they’re doing, and I’m surprised all registrars don’t do it. Why shouldn’t Netsol (or why wouldn’t they) buy it?
Scott Hendison is the CEO of Search Commander, Inc. and a recovering affiliate marketer. He is also one of the founding board members of SEMpdx. Find out more about him at his website, SearchCommander.com.
The quick answers:
1) Network Solutions charges some of the highest prices around for domain registration. A consumer can’t price-shop for a domain registrar if the domain is locked down.
2) This policy puts a restraint on free commerce.
3) It allows Network Solutions to “taste domains” that they would not ordinarily be able to.
I guess I’m just cynical and always assumed that if you didn’t buy it, there was someone looking at the searches snapping them up. Have you ever had a good idea and found it available, and gone back another day to try to register?
I just tried a different pc, not logged in, and Netsol does show it as available.
Interesting ethical dilemma – but not doing it seems like it might be bad business…
Well, I guess we’ll find out now who’s right or wrong.
NetSol’s getting sued