Domain Registration "Slamming"

[RBB]

I got an e-mail from Network Solutions today which reads (in part) as follows:

"ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has changed the domain name transfer policy for all accredited domain name service providers. We are concerned that this policy change puts your domain name at greater risk for being "slammed" (fraudulently transferred). The prior policy allowed you to expressly approve a transfer request with your current domain name service provider before any transfer would occur. The new policy, however, eliminates this express approval safeguard, removing an additional protection against unauthorized transfer requests."

Is this something we should be worried about as it pertains to our PowWeb-hosted sites? Thanks.

RBB

[stevel]

Well, your web host is not relevant here. The ICANN policy is changing effective 12 November. It looks as if the change is that the current registrar is not required to confirm the change request, but may choose to do so. There is also the creation of a "transfer undo" process in the case of "erroneous or noncompliant transfers".

I don't see that slamming is any more likely, as there is a requirement that the "gaining registrar" get approval from the registrant or administrative contact of the domain. I think you can still prevent unauthorized transfers by setting the "registrar lock" flag on your registration. I don't know if PowWeb-registered domains have this feature.

Personally, I would not trust anything Network Solutions says. My opinion of them is quite low.

You can read all about the new policy at http://www.icann.org/announcements/advisory-12jul04.htm

[RBB]

Most of my domains are registered through PowWeb, as they should be. :D

Unfortunately, I inherited two domain registrations that were already registered with Network Solutions when I became Web Manager for these sites. :o

I had a difficult time with N.S. on both occasions, but finally managed to get everything taken care of, even though those two domains are still registered with N.S. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the link to the ICANN page.

RBB

[IanS]

Most of my domains are registered through PowWeb, as they should be. :D

Unfortunately, I inherited two domain registrations that were already registered with Network Solutions when I became Web Manager for these sites. :o

I had a difficult time with N.S. on both occasions, but finally managed to get everything taken care of, even though those two domains are still registered with N.S. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the link to the ICANN page.

RBBFirstly, there are quite a few on here who disagree with you assertion that the domains should be registered through Powweb - however, this thread isn't the place to discuss that matter.

I've read the announcement, followed a number of links and consider that the changes are not worth being concerned about. I've tried a number of times in the past to transfer out from certain registrars and have been unable to do so, this will make it easier if they change their system.

My reading is that they can continue their system of requesting faxes (difficult if you're not in the USA and have not got a fax machine!) on letter-headed paper (as a private registration why would I have a letter-head with a logo?).

I'd never heard the term slamming but I don't see how the changes increase the chances of it happening from those registrars that are already cautious about transferring.

[stevel]

If you stay with Network Solutions you are paying way too much and getting poor service for it. I suggest you transfer your registrations to a better, lower cost registrar. RegisterFly (http://www.theflypaper.com/#trans) is having another one of their $6 transfer promotions.

The bigger danger is falling for one of the deceptive mailings from various registrars trying to trick you into transferring your domain to them by making it look as if you are renewing. Domain Registry of America is the most common abuser of this, but Network Solutions has done it too.

[IanS]

If you stay with Network Solutions you are paying way too much and getting poor service for it. I suggest you transfer your registrations to a better, lower cost registrar. RegisterFly (http://www.theflypaper.com/#trans) is having another one of their $6 transfer promotions.

The bigger danger is falling for one of the deceptive mailings from various registrars trying to trick you into transferring your domain to them by making it look as if you are renewing. Domain Registry of America is the most common abuser of this, but Network Solutions has done it too.Beware of any company called Domain Registry of...... as they use Domain Registry of Europe as well. - Presumably ..... of Asia etc also belong to the same bogus outfit.

[RBB]

Firstly, there are quite a few on here who disagree with you assertion that the domains should be registered through Powweb....

Obviously the smiley face didn't properly convey my tone!

[IanS]

Obviously the smiley face didn't properly convey my tone!Obviously not.... it's the problem of the Atlantic Ocean and us speaking different languages.....

[stevel]

Even those of us on the same side of the Atlantic could misunderstand that.