eh boy...

http://www.domainnamenews.com/featured/domain-registrar-network-solutions-front-running-on-whois-searches/1359

Time to get that ICANN accreditation...

Looks like that got Slashdotted:
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/01/08/1920215

The link is giving me a 500 Internal server error.

The link is giving me a 500 Internal server error.

That server has been owned by the slashdot army.


Read the thread at /. - people have been testing it.

Something like this happened to me too, 2 years ago. I looked up a domain name and when I want there the second day to buy it it was already registered and parked at Yahoo.
At that time I also stopped using their free email.

that happened to me too, also 2 years ago, and also yahoo. the domain name was never used and one year later i believe available again.

Very nice!

I just confirmed it with a made up domain as well:
GrableGrable.com

Congratulations! The following domains are available (Netsol)
grablegrable.com

http://www.iwhois.com/index.php?domain=GrableGrable&tld=com&lookup=Lookup&clean=1


Registrar whois lookup (whois.networksolutions.com)
We are currently experiencing issues with Network Solutions whois.
Please retry your search here. Apologies for any inconvenience.

.com registry whois lookup (whois.crsnic.net)
Domain Name: GRABLEGRABLE.COM
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Referral URL: http://www.networksolutions.com
Name Server: NS1.RESERVEDDOMAINNAME.COM
Name Server: NS2.RESERVEDDOMAINNAME.COM
Status: ok
Updated Date: 08-jan-2008
Creation Date: 08-jan-2008
Expiration Date: 08-jan-2009

I think when I am free I will do some whois there and let them register for eg anonmousesucks.com :) . Just curious, won't they be spending a lot of money doing this?

Thats true.
Only works for .com's though.

WEBHOSTINGTALK-IS-A-BAD-HOSTING-INFORMATION-SOURCE.COM

NETWORK-SOLUTIONS-HAS-REGISTERED-YOUR-DOMAIN-TEST-JWTX8.COM

Both were taken after I searched them :P

They could argue they are doing it to prevent others from getting it before you but...

I've looked up MANY domain names there that aren't registered, I wonder what their criteria would be for which ones to register. Most of the ones I tried were gibberish though, maybe it needs to contain a dictionary word or something?

THey could just be registering the domains and canceling them out in the initial 5 day refund period, then it wouldn't cost them anything. (Note: Yeah, that is what the article says they do)

Search for a dot com at www.NetSol.com, if it is available then do a WHOIS at a different registrar - and it will be taken - by NetSol.
I saw this on another forum and tested it myself. They grabbed the garbage .com domains I looked up at NetSol. I suspect it is a 5 day hold to prevent you from going to a competing cheaper registrar.

Karl,

They're only held for 4 days after the fact. If a user really feigns interest further, I suspect it gets worse from there. I've had other sites (that I'll leave unnamed for now, since I've got no proof) purchase domains that I was looking up & offer them to me for sale shortly afterwards.

A'las, that's life. They'll pay dearly.

Sad that they would stoop so low. I mean, come on, lower your prices and you'll get some purchases... maybe...

How long after you look up the domain does NS register it?

I really am speechless.

How long after you look up the domain does NS register it? less than 1 minute in my tests.....

So much for good business ethics. :rolleyes:

OMG! I just LOVE it!! thisisoneheckofastupiddomain.com, and more coming up soon ... :D

OMG! I just LOVE it!! thisisoneheckofastupiddomain.com, and more coming up soon ... :D

Yeah, but why waste your time? After 4 days they get a refund on it automatically unless someone is interested in it further. It doesn't cost them a single cent.

http://www.circleid.com/posts/81082_network_solutions_front_running/

Jonathon Nevett, Vice President of Policy at Network Solutions, has offered the following in response to the news break:

“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.”

Yeah, but why waste your time?
becauseitsfreeentertainmentandtrustmeitdoescostthem.com

becauseitsfreeentertainmentandtrustmeitdoescostthem.com
It costs zero as long as the refund is submitted within <7 days, even Bob Parsons has talked about the subject on a monthly basis.

It costs zero as long as the refund is submitted within <7 days, even Bob Parsons has talked about the subject on a monthly basis.
OF COURSE it costs them. I thought I didn't need to elaborate. Hmm ...

Their excuse doesn't really hold. Anyone can still register that domain through NS, right? So the "protection" is only valid as far as other registrars are concerned.

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.

What a crock!

As has been pointed out elsewhere, if Joe searches stupid-netsol-tricks.com at netsol it gets locked, but if Harry searches stupid-netsol-tricks.com at netsol, he will also be given the opportunity to buy the domain.

So, it does not protect customer Joe from Harry, it protects netsol's opportunity to sell the domain to the first person willing to fork over the premium price of $34.99 by creating a monopoly on the name that solely benefits netsol.

Worse than the action itself is the hogwash that comes out of corporate spokespeople when trying to explain blatant greed or stupidity.

This ought to come under anti-competition or unfair trade practices somewhere. Forget ICANN'T, where's Spitzer?

As for filling their db with bogus searches, yes it does have a cost to netsol. Filling the db will slow it to a crawl, frag the disks, frag the indexes and just generally foobar the db. Who knows? It might even cost them a disk upgrade on a very expensive san.

It has also been suggested that blackholing networksolutions.com at the dns level might be interesting if you run dns caches.

http://www.circleid.com/posts/81082_network_solutions_front_running/

Jonathon Nevett, Vice President of Policy at Network Solutions, has offered the following in response to the news break:

“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.”

Interesting and understandable reason why. Of course, not everyone has to agree with it.

Unfortunately it's obviously preventing people from trying to look them up, much more try to register, at other registrars.

After a bad PR like this Network Solutions might be up to some no good tricks. My clients have some domains registered with NSI. Call me paranoid, but I don't want to become another stranded customer of next RegisterFly...

nsisucksbigtime.com

Took them 1 min to "register" it.

I say we all transfer our domains from them.
Do you think they will miss us?

Do you think they will miss us?

Probably. But I somehow doubt their big-time clients will leave them merely because of this.

Time will tell, say, how many are against this versus how many find this beneficial, though how to even get a rough figure of that is anybody's guess.

Ever since the ICann release open registeries of domain names I promised myself I would never use Network Solutions again, I hated them back in the day when they were the only one to register a domain thru, the red tape it took just to update an email address, all the faxing, and waiting 48-72 hours just to get a name server updated, and now takes me 5 minutes with Enom :) so this is just one way NetSol is trying to get the power back in their corner ;)

I say we all transfer our domains from them.
Can't help much, as I have already done so many years ago.

Ever since the ICann release open registeries of domain names I promised myself I would never use Network Solutions again, I hated them back in the day when they were the only one to register a domain thru ...
To be fair, they are not the old Network Solutions back then (different company, and mostly different senior staff). But just when I start to "not hate" them, they give me a very strong reason to do that all over again.

Can anyone confirm that they (Network Solutions) have called an end to this little farce?

AHH! I can't believe this!

Registrant:
This Domain is available at NetworkSolutions.com
13681 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
HERNDON, VA 20171
US

Domain Name: DEFAULT-WEBSITE-PARK.COM

------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Domain is Available - Register it Now!
600,000 domain names are registered daily! Don't delay; there's no guarantee
that a domain name you see today will still be here tomorrow!
Register it Now at www.NetworkSolutions.com.

This was just 1 minute ago, took them about 30 seconds to register it.

Obviously, with that whois message anyone will be able to register it.
They are not protecting the specific customer, but rather themselves for selling it to ANYONE. BIG difference.

And I put most of my most special domains there. Oh god if they go down the drain i will cry.

Karl,

They're only held for 4 days after the fact. If a user really feigns interest further, I suspect it gets worse from there. I've had other sites (that I'll leave unnamed for now, since I've got no proof) purchase domains that I was looking up & offer them to me for sale shortly afterwards.

A'las, that's life. They'll pay dearly.

Agreed - however, they are still violating ICANN policies.

I'm transfering my stuff to moniker.

There's just no other way.

You know I did a test.

I just tried ****younetworksolutions.com on networksolutions.com, it was avaialbe when I search. But after 1 min, I do a search on whois.com :

Domain Name: www.****younetworksolutions.com
Availability: No

**** you Network Solution!

We better to transfer all domains out of NS, since they are using this tactic to stolen your name, no matter what the reason behind it.

Lucky, I don't have any domains in NS.

Can anyone confirm that they (Network Solutions) have called an end to this little farce?

It appears they've modified the domain name's page to show their non-commercial parking page. I figure that isn't enough for some people, of course.

Agreed - however, they are still violating ICANN policies.

You mean warehousing? There's not even an ICANN policy stating what warehousing is.

since they are using this tactic to stolen your name

They didn't steal what you never owned to begin with. Do you own their search results?

Can anyone confirm that they (Network Solutions) have called an end to this little farce?

I just searched foritsreallyunethicalifnetworksolutionsregistersthisdomain.com on NS and as of now it is not registered.

I just searched foritsreallyunethicalifnetworksolutionsregistersthisdomain.com on NS and as of now it is not registered.

Domains can only be up to 26 characters if I recall correctly.
Try something shorter ;)

Domains can only be up to 26 characters if I recall correctly.
Try something shorter ;)

Interesting cause NS claimed that long one was available.

Anywho, they are still in full force with this "policy":

domaintastingunethical.com is now registered.

well it has been confirmed that they do this disgusting practice...



http://blog.domaintools.com/2008/01/network-solutions-steals-domain-ideas-confirmed/

wow thats pretty slick. Its a dog eat dog world buddy.

So what we have to do now is use a Whois checker to see if a domain is available...

Unethical business practice if you ask me.

OF COURSE it costs them. I thought I didn't need to elaborate. Hmm ...

How much does it cost them?

Someone could write a script to whois a million or so random domains.

It seems in the last few days Network Solutons has launched a new system where-bye if you do a WHOIS search on the networksolutons.com website it will actually register the domain so that if you go 3mins later and try to get it through godaddy or any other registrar it will say taken. Than if you go back to NSI's site it says its available.

For example if you first check somewhere like godaddy.com for a domain NSI-IS-A-FRAUD.com it will show it's ok to register. Than you go to NS's website and do a whois and it shows its ok to register. Than you go back to godaddy or anywhere else and it says it's taken. Than if you do a whois it will show NS is the owner of the domain.

I called them and told them how can this be possible. They said that every time you do a search it reserves the name for up-to 4 days before it's freed up to the rest of the internet, and until than you can ONLY buy the domain from NS. what a fraud if I ever saw one. If every registrar started doing this the whole internet naming system will collapse.

Try it yourselfs and see. I just was off the phone with a very angry client who had this very problem. He wanted to register the domain with us but after a whois search was done via NS's site, the domain became taken all of a sudden... Now he has to wait 4 days before I can get him the domain, OOH unless he pays $35/year to NS to buy it form them..

This was covered on Slashdot Tuesday...

Don't do the whois from Network Solutions whois servers.

Problem solved.

I don't think the problem is with their implementation. I think the problem is with any registrars ability to test out a domain for 4 days paying nothing and then just releasing it back if it's not getting the drop in traffic or offers they want.

Domains can only be up to 26 characters if I recall correctly.
Try something shorter ;)

Domains can be up to 64 characters. Maybe NS just doesn't pre-reg longer ones as they are not worth to be protected...

I don't care to use them, for my registrar is fine and always online (at least I haven't seen their server being down once). They also have good business ethics :P

The news, however, makes me want to over and "test" it with some "awesome" domain names ;) But realistically, this isn't fraud. Just bad business morals/ethics in the eyes of the public.

My main concern is my domains.
I'm not so opposed to this practice in theory, but, in reality if they are being sued or otherwise forced to cirucmstances leading to their company being liquidated, then my precious domains (and many many other high quality/profile domains) might suffer.

So, 1. is there a chance this might happen? and 2. is netsol really that stupid or have they thoroughly and extensively educated themselves on the legal portion of this practice.

And even if they have, what if this grows so big that majority of people stop registering at netsol, that could ultimately lead to bankruptcy, and lack of funds in general.

This is not not good. I'm seriously consi0dering transfering all my domains to like moniker.

So, 1. is there a chance this might happen? and 2. is netsol really that stupid or have they thoroughly and extensively educated themselves on the legal portion of this practice.

It so happens that NetSol is a "veteran" of various lawsuits. They lost some, they won some.

However, try to keep track of how they've "performed" the past 2 to 3 years and you'll more or less get an idea of whether they'll disappear or not. Considering they've been acquired by two different venture capital firms in a span of a few years, I guess confidence in their ability to make money is that high.

However, try to keep track of how they've "performed" the past 2 to 3 years and you'll more or less get an idea of whether they'll disappear or not. Considering they've been acquired by two different venture capital firms in a span of a few years, I guess confidence in their ability to make money is that high.

So you're saying the fact they were sold is proof they are good financially??

I would say here are some numbers that will tell you how they've been doing:

In 2000 they were purchased by Verisign for $21 billion.

In 2007 they were purchased for $800 million.

So you're saying the fact they were sold is proof they are good financially??

I said "considering they've been acquired by two different venture capital firms in a span of a few years, I guess confidence in their ability to make money is that high." One needs to look at their filed financial statements the past couple of years to find out if they're good financially or not.

So much for meaning what I say.

I said "considering they've been acquired by two different venture capital firms in a span of a few years, I guess confidence in their ability to make money is that high." One needs to look at their filed financial statements the past couple of years to find out if they're good financially or not.

So much for meaning what I say.

Well, being privately owned I doubt there is much for filed financial statements. Then what you said seemed to indicate that there would be demand to purchase them, that there is confidence that they can make money, indicating good/decent financials, if not now, then in the future.

What I'm saying is, it could have just been a steal of a price, seeing how their value has plummeted, and with that, it is just as likely that they turn a profit from liquidating the assets, which is what the person you were responding to was worried about, as anything else.

I understand, Karl. And since one isn't readily able to look up NetSol's financial statements, then definitely they'll have to make do with whatever else is available.

Realistically speaking, coax's concerns can happen to any registrar.

I tried this today and the domain is still available. Is it their whois form or their check to see if a domain is available form that is doing this?

I suspect NetSol has backed off. I tried again this evening and domains searched are not grabbed.

I used NSI whois for ILOVEHONELIVE.COM and now at godaddy it says ILOVEHONELIVE.COM is already taken. (click here for info)

:rofl:

Found this:

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/01/10/Network-Solutions-stands-by-name-policy_1.html

Mitchell added that if ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the organization that oversees the domain name system, would move to cut down on these type of scams, then his company wouldn't have to engage in this kind of automatic search registration. "We would be perfectly happy to end this process if ICANN or the registries would do something to protect small businesses or other small users," he said.

Chances are they'll do what their own CEO said should ICANN finally resolve it. If they don't, they'll be taking a lot of further unnecessary risks.

TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNOWALLOW.COM (36 characters, NOT registered)
TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNOWALLO.COM (35 characters, NOT registered)
TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNOWALL.COM (34 characters, NOT registered)
TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNOWAL.COM (33 characters, NOT registered)
TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNOWA.COM (32 characters, NOT registered)
TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNOW.COM (31 characters, REGISTERED!)
TESTINGHOWMANYCHARACTERSTHEYNO.COM (30 characters, REGISTERED!)

Found this:

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/01/10/Network-Solutions-stands-by-name-policy_1.html



Chances are they'll do what their own CEO said should ICANN finally resolve it. If they don't, they'll be taking a lot of further unnecessary risks.
Well what else is new. NSI/Verisign always rolls out with these ridiculous things everytime.

Last time it was the unregistered .com's and the .net's being redirected to paid ads pages.

I get a ton of spam from network solutions that I have blocked there whole
IP range.... anyway

As far as domains I search them on google and if nothing comes up I immediately
buy it, through secure procedure from the start of course.

Well what else is new. NSI/Verisign always rolls out with these ridiculous things everytime.

Last time it was the unregistered .com's and the .net's being redirected to paid ads pages.

FYI, VeriSign completely sold off Network Solutions years ago to a venture capital firm, which was later acquired by another one last year. The people running Network Solutions now aren't the same ones who originally ran the show, save maybe their current CEO who was once a VeriSign executive.

You can almost easily verify those by searching. Just thought I'd mention those to make a clarification or so so people don't get mistaken ideas.

Does anyone think anything will happen out of this?
I have specifically one domain with NetSol, which is part my record company and part an online music site, I have plans for it and even have it renewed a few years.

I'm sure NetSol got it all planned, but I'm not well versed on the internals of companies like this.
There was almost universal condemnation of this procedure around various boards I read, so will netsol just continue this, or can ICANN break the contrast so they won't be accredited anymore?

Any kind of educated insight into what may happen with this is appreciated, before I spend more money on this if it's not necessary.

Any kind of educated insight into what may happen with this is appreciated, before I spend more money on this if it's not necessary.

Seriously only you can answer your own dilemma. What exactly do you expect of Network Solutions?

But no, I don't expect ICANN to nuke their registrar accreditation just because of this. And neither do I expect them to go bankrupt anytime soon, either.

Don't take my word for it, though. I've had some expectations not met either. :D

Take a look at the link below and post your comments.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22608368/

They will try anything and everything to get your business.

:confused: Today I checked to see if a domain was avaliable at network solutions .com Man was that a mistake!!!
I checked for my domain in the afternoon before leaving for work. When I got home I searched for some cheap webhosting, I found a cheap hosting account and tried to register my domain but it was now taken. I went to whois to see who snatched up my domain name, It was network solutions that put a client hold on the name. So now you cant register it anywhere else. I called their 800# only to find out they will release the name in four days from now?? So basically if I want to guarantee getting my domain name I have to spend $34.99 with network solutions to have it.....$25.01 more that it would cost at the hosting company I chosen. I understand their are domain squatters lurking out there and maybe this is a good thing to put a hold on a domain name so squatters cant snatch them up and try to resell them back to you for a profit.
However by guaranteeing this domain for myself I would have to pay the $25.01 difference and wait 60 days and transfer the registra. If I dont go this scam route network solutions has trapped me into I take a 99.9% chance of never getting the domain.
To make a long story short, I dont think its fair network solutions trap me into having to register with them and paying the extra monies, than to chance loosing the domain after they make me wait 4 days for them to release it.
I think this is a way to legally scam people just as the domain squatters do..

Next time check the domains for availability in iwhois.com

Thanks. I have learned a lesson about network solutions!!
I only posted so others can be-aware of this trap..

Yep, the seem they continue grabbing names even with public outrage regards to this. I just tested one domain, seconds after they grabbed it.

Its a shame they would stoop this low.

Jonathon Nevett, Vice President of Policy at Network Solutions, has offered the following in response to the news break:

WHAT A STATEMENT OF THE PUREST BULL SHI- I HAVE EVER HEARD!!
YES MY NAME IS: Barry Wilkinson I started this tread on Network Solutions squatting scam, You tried to put my domain name into a trap intiated by your company so If I wanted the domain name I would have to pay network solutions $34.99 for it to guarantee it would be mine. After 6 phone calls to 1-800-333-7680 they told me they would put my domain names back into a que and they would be released within the next 8 hrs to 24 hrs. Well I waited around for many, many hours finally I was able to register my domain names at my registra. Now only to find out Network Solutions did something to screw with the dns and registra of the one domain name. So now I still only have the one domain and my other domain name is ????????
This is highly unbecoming of a good honest Company Network Solutions claims itself to be. Iam giving you untill Monday morning to clear up the bull or I will be consulting an Attorney.

To all others that have responded to my thread, thank you for your input, and I hope you never get caught up into a network solutions trap like I have..
Barry Wilkinson

Any persons that have been scammed by Network Solutions as I have been please send me your information if you wish to be considered in a Class Action Law Suit against Network Solutions.
It will not cost you a dime. Barry@globalverification.net

Iam giving you untill Monday morning to clear up the bull or I will be consulting an Attorney.

And if Network Solutions says that's not bull at all, or they meant what they said, I guess you'll still consult your attorney anyway?

No one's compelled to believe anything they say, nor is anyone compelled to use them.

Good luck with the potential suit.

And if Network Solutions says that's not bull at all, or they meant what they said, I guess you'll still consult your attorney anyway?

No one's compelled to believe anything they say, nor is anyone compelled to use them.

Good luck with the potential suit.

Dave, It is true that no one's compelled to believe anything they say, but the issue is what they are doing. And my potential Class Action against them will involve persons with damages by the actions of that Corporation.

I am stunned at the large number of people who apparently do their lookups at NetSol then go to another registrar to buy.

It's January 23, 2008 and they are STILL stealing domains... How lame...

http://about-networksolutions.com/customer-protection-measure.php

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

http://about-networksolutions.com/customer-protection-measure.php

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Haha, I saw that. How lame. I did, however, call their 800 number and push "0" to get a person, and asked them to remove my domains from their hold. It wasnt more than 5 minutes later and I was able to register with Enom! So do that!

It's January 23, 2008 and they are STILL stealing domains... How lame...

One doesn't steal what another doesn't own. How "lame" that some people use such words rather loosely nowadays.

One doesn't steal what another doesn't own. How "lame" that some people use such words rather loosely nowadays.

Yeah, you have a point, they aren't technically "stealing" it, but still, when someone goes to register a domain, they should not have to call Network Solutions and ask them to take it off their "hold" list so they can register elsewhere.

Its a dirty trick anyway, when I called to ask them to take my domains off their hold list, they were trying to slyly get me to register with them. "Okay, what account would you like to register those under? Do you want to setup a new account?" is what they said when I asked for them to be "unheld."

Yeah, you have a point, they aren't technically "stealing" it, but still, when someone goes to register a domain, they should not have to call Network Solutions and ask them to take it off their "hold" list so they can register elsewhere.

Its a dirty trick anyway, when I called to ask them to take my domains off their hold list, they were trying to slyly get me to register with them. "Okay, what account would you like to register those under? Do you want to setup a new account?" is what they said when I asked for them to be "unheld."
Why are you searching at NetSol when you intend to register elsewhere?

Why are you searching at NetSol when you intend to register elsewhere?

Because they have a great tool that allows you to enter multiple domains at once so you can do different spellings and variations of a domain. I'm just not willing to pay $35/year for a domain name, thats ridiculous when you can get them for $6 elsewhere.

register.com also offers 10 domains in the search query, just so you know for future reference. and there are plenty of applications and other websites to search multiple domains too.

Arghhh!!!!!!!.., I have just come here to complain about Netsol and found this thread!!.

20mins a go had to register a domain with them.
I use godaddy.com, but found out today teh domain was not avaible, I checked that domain on netsol yesterday..., AND THEY GRABED IT!!!!
For the circumstances just needed the mails working for my customers, so NETSOL robbed me 25.00usd(the price differences).

So I'm gonna contact them and DEMAND a refund for the difference, their practice is wrong.

I haven't read the thread yet, but, what are the people(you) doing about it?

Giorgio

Arghhh!!!!!!!.., I have just come here to complain about Netsol and found this thread!!.

20mins a go had to register a domain with them.
I use godaddy.com, but found out today teh domain was not avaible, I checked that domain on netsol yesterday..., AND THEY GRABED IT!!!!
For the circumstances just needed the mails working for my customers, so NETSOL robbed me 25.00usd(the price differences).

So I'm gonna contact them and DEMAND a refund for the difference, their practice is wrong.

I haven't read the thread yet, but, what are the people(you) doing about it?

Giorgio

If you call their toll-free number, just dial 0 and a person will answer. Then tell you want them to release a domain that they put on hold so you can register it elsewhere. They will try to get you to order it through them, but just say you want them to release it.

If you call their toll-free number, just dial 0 and a person will answer. Then tell you want them to release a domain that they put on hold so you can register it elsewhere. They will try to get you to order it through them, but just say you want them to release it.

Thanks
I already register the domain with them, I had to.
I told the customer his emails will be working today in the morning, so he was waiting, I coud not tell him about these issues and costing him his time because I want to save 25usd, unfortunally :(

I'm not in USA, is not toll fee for me.

Giorgio

Oh well.
I can't call them for free so I sent a quick message, just to do something about it as I'm very bussy

This is the message:
============================
Hi
(Please DO NOT refer me to the "Customer Protection Measure" page)

I need a refund for the difference in the price of the domain xyzxyzxyz.com which is 25.00usd.
As son as possible.
DO NOT cancel/suspend the domain.

Yesterday I searched for the domain xyzxyzxyz.com and was available, today I wanted to proceed to register it on another registrar(at 10.00USD).., but I couldn't, NetSol.com had it registered already, FORCING me to buy from them and spending whatever the price you had on it.

So, DO NOT EXPLAIN ANYTHING, just need a response of the refund of 25usd YOU FORCED me to pay you.

My account:
xxxxxxxxx
last cc digts: xxxx
Thank you very much

[My name here]

but still, when someone goes to register a domain, they should not have to call Network Solutions and ask them to take it off their "hold" list so they can register elsewhere.

Well, one should not have to search for the domain name on their site to prevent all this, right? Should a business continue letting people use their service freely, which the business is paying the costs for, just so those people could then do that elsewhere instead?

Oh well.
I can't call them for free so I sent a quick message, just to do something about it as I'm very bussy

This is the message:
============================
Hi
(Please DO NOT refer me to the "Customer Protection Measure" page)

I need a refund for the difference in the price of the domain xyzxyzxyz.com which is 25.00usd.
As son as possible.
DO NOT cancel/suspend the domain.

Yesterday I searched for the domain xyzxyzxyz.com and was available, today I wanted to proceed to register it on another registrar(at 10.00USD).., but I couldn't, NetSol.com had it registered already, FORCING me to buy from them and spending whatever the price you had on it.

So, DO NOT EXPLAIN ANYTHING, just need a response of the refund of 25usd YOU FORCED me to pay you.

My account:
xxxxxxxxx
last cc digts: xxxx
Thank you very much

[My name here]

So...NetSol pointed a gun to your head forcing you to register it with them? You could either contact them to delete the domain name (as you've done before) or wait the 4 days for it to be released.

If you indeed registered the domain name with them and ask they cancel and refund you, then they might delete the domain name anyway. Why should they maintain a service they're not being paid for?

To be clear, though, I'm not defending NetSol, nor am I joining any lynch mob. One thing I'm trying to do is clear any misconceptions so we don't add any more junk online as there is, especially when there are available options.

So...NetSol pointed a gun to your head forcing you to register it with them? You could either contact them to delete the domain name (as you've done before) or wait the 4 days for it to be released.


First you need to understand and to agree that they are taking advantage of some circumstances to FORCE users to register with them, if you do not agree with this then we are done. thank you.

maybe I'l respond more latter as I'm bussy at this moment.


If you indeed registered the domain name with them and ask they cancel and refund you, then they might delete the domain name anyway. Why should they maintain a service they're not being paid for?

Then fine, the thing is to resolve the cost I was FORCED to pay.
Is like this...
NetSol had a park with a trial that ANYONE was able to pass by freely, but now, AT THE END OF THE TRAIL you have a toll to pay, if not you can't continue to get to the other side...
Now, there are people in a hurry(and other situations), who can't afford to get back and get around it(and not paying at all), or asking questions, etc. So that people find themself FORCED to pay to solve their situation, NetSol gets $$$ because of this and a lot of ungry people.
They don't have to give services for free, they have to do it in a correct manner.

Which is, for example..., NOT letting people in and warning you about the implications and costs THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE.
BEFORE you do anything, not by puting a sign with all the other signs and stuff.

Salutes

Giorgio

Which is, for example..., NOT letting people in and warning you about the implications and costs THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE. BEFORE you do anything, not by puting a sign with all the other signs and stuff.NetSol does have a sign on their front page.

NetSol does have a sign on their front page.

Yes...
Which is not what I'm saying.
I will quote myself..
"Which is, for example..., NOT letting people in and warning you about the implications and costs THAT WEREN'T THERE BEFORE.
BEFORE you do anything, not by puting a sign with all the other signs and stuff."

With that sign, they are NOT stoping/intercepting people before doing the domain search submition.
People who had visited before do not read the whole homepage, NO ONE DOES THAT in any website.
We can say Netsol is excusing themselves by claiming that warning sign.., is ridiculous, they can't spect people to read the WHOLE homepage, yes, it would be necessary to read the whole homepage everytime people visit the site in order to make sure there is a warning of concern.


Giorgio

they can't spect people to read the WHOLE homepage

You mean expect? Apparently they don't since this is what it says on the consumer protection thing on their front page:

In response to customer concerns, we may reserve domains after you search for them to protect you from Front Runners.

And of course, it has a link giving more details. If that isn't enough to get someone's curiosity to learn more, or if the reader has trouble comprehending that, then they can always ask.

Now I agree that it's nice if a business would put some kind of notice on their site giving indications of something. In my previous registrar experience, personal observations, and lessons learned from independent parties, though, inevitably some issue might occur that's bound to create another issue anyway.

Take, for example, buying a car from an auto dealership. Should they post a "warning" sign outside their door stating what the gas pedal is for?

Or if that analogy's flawed, how about (knock on wood) buying a gun from a licensed weapons dealer? Should they post a notice at their store window saying it's a crime to rob a bank with it?

People who drive cars must know what the gas pedal's for, and thoe buying guns should also know it's against the law (in most jurisdictions anyway) to rob a bank, much more with a weapon. But the minimum "requirement" for registering a domain name, in this case, is being able to pay for it.

If you want the business to impose certain notices, requirements, or even "restrictions", someone's bound to be left out unfairly (well, that's life). Their definition of "correct" might not match yours, especially if they're too high for many people to realistically reach.

Besides, the business might also lose out prospects to their competitors who don't do that. And they're all there to make money.

With all that said, though, I also agree that Network Solutions initially screwed up how they first did this. But kudos to them also for subsequently listening and making changes.

Like many things, it's a question of balance. And yes, Network Solutions does have a valid reason for doing so in case some of you might be thinking they're bullshitting or even outright lying to you.

You mean expect? Apparently they don't since this is what it says on the consumer protection thing on their front page:
(English is not my main language.)
I think you don't understand, puting a sign in THAT WAY they're no making sure people get warned about their domain being hold BEFORE they search. So no, NetSol can't expect people to read/be warned BEFORE they type and submit a domain search.
The way you can expect this is by showing the SIGN such a way that you CAN'T miss it, like when you're going to delete a file.. windows or any other system(well designed, a web site is a simple system) warns you about it, and this is also protecting the user, it is responsabilty of the user but again not if you want to sell youself(your image, product, service, etc.).
So in this case, the sign be shown or Pop up or something when like the person clicks "Search" and only then, once the user agree, the domain could be hold. Of course there could be details to think about but I gived my point.
Maybe somethings are not NetSol's responsabilty to make sure the visitors know stuff before, not if they don't care about good pracitce.
Anyway, I don't need to give too much detail, here I am and other people upset(or something) about their practice costing us trouble, that's simple probe something is wrong.


Take, for example, buying a car from an auto dealership. Should they post a "warning" sign outside their door stating what the gas pedal is for?


The correct analogy of the situation would be.
The dealership should make sure their visitors KNOW before testing a car that they can't buy the same kind of car in another dealership(for X days, etc, doesn't matter).
This warning could be several ways: I simple warning sign that when a visitor wants to open a car door, and then gettin in.
or Salesman:"Hi sir, before you check the car, just leting you know that you will need to contact us if you want to buy the same kind of car else where".
My case was that I went to another dealership and they told me They: "Sorry, can't sell you this car"
Me: "why?"
They: "Someone already buy it, it says here..., JohnDoe.., weird, that's the owner of CompetitorDealerShip"
Me:"What????, damn it, my customer is waitng for the car out side, oh no, there's no time.. damn it"(here is me thinking Firstdealer just hold the car for no one else could sell it, just them), and my circumstances didn't give me chance to wait, sen email and expect to be answered in mins, etc.(remember there are also other countries who need to pay when making calls).
So I had to get back, and purshased the car quickly, then I'll have a chance to get back and talk to them or complain, etc.

I supose I could check your other analogies but, reding them quickly don't seem to apply. But the first one I made should give the idea.



If you want the business to impose certain notices, requirements, or even "restrictions", someone's bound to be left out unfairly (well, that's life). Their definition of "correct" might not match yours, especially if they're too high for many people to realistically reach.

Besides, the business might also lose out prospects to their competitors who don't do that. And they're all there to make money.

With all that said, though, I also agree that Network Solutions initially screwed up how they first did this. But kudos to them also for subsequently listening and making changes.

Like many things, it's a question of balance. And yes, Network Solutions does have a valid reason for doing so in case some of you might be thinking they're bullshitting or even outright lying to you.

I think that if NetSol wanted to improve visitors/customers 's experience, they're flawed.
Simple, The prove is these threads, and other stuff posted on the web.

Salutes

Giorgio

The flaw here is that the protection is useless.
All a 'front runner' will have to do is whois the domain, and they will be able to purchase it through netsol either way.
Just reserving the domain does nothing.

A better option would be to reserve names for people who have an account there.
Either you can purchase the domain, reserve it to your account free of charge, or just not do anything with it and have it remain available. That would be true protection for customers.

Not this stupid arrangement where anyone can buy the domain anyway, it's the exact same thing as it being available except only at netsol.

I apologies if I posted this in the wrong forum category. But I have to warn everyone here to stay away from such unethical, shady ,blackmailer company like Network Solutions.

Yes, it has been confirmed and verified personally by me that Network solutions is holding up your domain name everytime you did a domain name search at their websites. In another words, NeSol will reserved your domain name automatically without your permission and knowledge.In addition, they will not release the domain names until 4 or 5 days later, thus preventing you from registering your domain name with other registrars except with them.

Yes, I am absolutely disgusted by such unethical business practice and please spread the word about this shady company.
It has come to my attention Godaddy are just as bad.


For more info, read the following
http://blog.domaintools.com/2008/01/network-solutions-steals-domain-ideas-confirmed/

or googling
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GFRC_enSG208SG209&q=%22network+solutions%22+hostage

Yep, this has made headlines many times last month. Shame on NetSol.

In another words, NeSol will reserved your domain name automatically without your permission and knowledge.It is indeed an inconvenience to wait for the domain to be available at other registrars, but, you can also simply stop using them for availability checks once you find out about this. A danger is that the other registrars might follow suit. Then, you'd need do your search using the favorite's registrar facilities. Is that such a dreadful prospect?

In an ideal world, domain cancellations would not be needed, domain kitting would not exist. It's just not an ideal world.

As we are talking about domain availability check...

Add a WHOIS button to your browser (http://landemaine.blogspot.com/2008/01/add-whois-button-to-your-browser.html)

Last week I did a search for a particular domain name (i may not want to reveal it here since I intend to eventually buy it) on Network Solutions site.

When I checked back the next day it was owned by NS:mad:

The whois contact said this:
This Domain is available at NetworkSolutions.com
13681 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
HERNDON, VA 20171
US

And guess what, they wanted to sell it to me for $34.99 instead of the regular $9.95.

Obviously, Network Solutions had used front running to get the domain name. I have just become a victim of domain tasting.

It just shows the unethical practices being followed by Network Solutions. I used to have a high opinion of them.

Everybody beware of dealing with this company.

As most of you are aware, around January, Network Solutions began a new scam to register domains search through their site. Thus for a period of 5 days, it forces the user to buy the domain through Network Solutions vs. any other domain registration site.

Over the last month, I have had roughly about 1/2 dozen people try to get hosting and register a domain but were at first using NSI's site to check for availability. After getting ready to signup, they suddenly find out that the domain is taken and we have to explain this whole story how Network Solutions is running this scam. In short, it's bad and something needs to be done with this company. Couldn't all us hosts/customers file a class action lawsuit?

Couldn't all us hosts/customers file a class action lawsuit?

Sure you could. But you'll have to figure out what exactly to sue for, especially when: a) Network Solutions has no obligations to non-paying third parties, and b) they're not intentionally (?) and permanently blocking you from being able to register the desired domain name elsewhere.

Already discussed in this thread:

<<url removed, since this is the thread now>>

However, Network Solutions has modified their process of their current practice (including the so-called notice on the middle right of their front page) since then. If you don't like what they're doing, just simply stop using their service.

Obviously, Network Solutions had used front running to get the domain name. I have just become a victim of domain tasting.


No, you have not. They don't put any advertising on those sites.



It just shows the unethical practices being followed by Network Solutions. I used to have a high opinion of them.


Isn't it unethical from your side to use there resource to search (which costs them something, even if it's less than a cent) and then register the domain with someone else.
Make your searches where you plan to register the domain, that's just fair.

Isn't it unethical from your side to use there resource to search (which costs them something, even if it's less than a cent) and then register the domain with someone else.
Make your searches where you plan to register the domain, that's just fair.


I was just not searching... I went ahead to register it with them. But then they were quoting it at $34.95/yr instead of the regular $9.95/yr, after blocking the domain.

What would you call that... an ethical way of doing business?

I was just not searching... I went ahead to register it with them. But then they were quoting it at $34.95/yr instead of the regular $9.95/yr, after blocking the domain.

What would you call that... an ethical way of doing business?$34.99 is their regular price.

No, you have not. They don't put any advertising on those sites.




Isn't it unethical from your side to use there resource to search (which costs them something, even if it's less than a cent) and then register the domain with someone else.
Make your searches where you plan to register the domain, that's just fair.

Well, if a person is searching on one registrar site and finds a cheaper registrar after getting the price from NetSol, than decide to go with the other registrar, than how is it the user's fault? Luckily it's only NetSol that is doing the front-running now but mark my words if no one can get them to stop this and it shows to be hurting other BIG registrars like Godaddy, Enom etc, and they start to resort to frontrunning. Than we can see a collapse in domain registration system.

Network Solutions are still doing this.....

I searched for a domain on godaddy and 1 other site to check for availability for several domains, ( didnt even go on Network solutions site) and they were available. I thought id come back after afew days and register them with my Creditcard,,, to my horror the domains are werre registered to Godaddy and Network solutions... That is theft and a scam... and looking at whois records the dates show 1999... its september 2008. WTF is going on... this a scam.... they should be done for this... this is unethical...