Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#1

Post by alexjawad » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 10:34 AM UTC

Hi,

Some time ago, I did a few tests on GoDaddy on available domain names and after some creative options, I came up with one that I liked.

I then compared the name with some other options against my targeted market and it turned out really popular. During the survey period, I checked the name a couple of times on GoDaddy to make sure it's still available. So when I today go to purchase the domain, hear hear, it is already taken. And WHOIS it if not GoDaddy owned company Domain's By Proxy?

Is this just a coincindence?

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#2

Post by tnorthcutt » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 10:38 AM UTC

I've heard of that happening, and a quick Google search pulls up many reports of it.

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#3

Post by techvibe » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 10:38 AM UTC

I think it is not a coincidence. I have experienced this a few times with other providers.

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#4

Post by alexjawad » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 10:42 AM UTC

In that case, it's outrageous! What provider should one use to securely search for available domain names?

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#5

Post by brk » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 10:55 AM UTC

alexjawad wrote: post #4

In that case, it's outrageous! What provider should one use to securely search for available domain names?

I use whois from a command prompt. Most of my registrations are done through enom. I avoid GoDaddy at all costs.

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#6

Post by alexjawad » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 11:07 AM UTC

brk wrote: post #5

alexjawad wrote: post #4

In that case, it's outrageous! What provider should one use to securely search for available domain names?

I use whois from a command prompt. Most of my registrations are done through enom. I avoid GoDaddy at all costs.

That's good advice. Thanks very much!

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#7

Post by dotme » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 12:22 PM UTC

I had an experience with the same. In frustration, I even mailed the guy who purchased it.

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#8

Post by MichaelStubbs » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 12:39 PM UTC

If I remember correctly, Network Solutions does this as well.

Edit: Apparently there's a name for this practice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_name_front_running

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#9

Post by ferostar » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 1:12 PM UTC

This is insane and a not widely known fact, this question should be upvoted.

Re: Does GoDaddy register domains you search?

#10

Post by euroclydon » Tue, Mar 15, 2011, 1:29 PM UTC

brk wrote: post #5

alexjawad wrote: post #4

In that case, it's outrageous! What provider should one use to securely search for available domain names?

I use whois from a command prompt. Most of my registrations are done through enom. I avoid GoDaddy at all costs.

Whatever WHOIS server your network resolves is not necessarily on the up and up either.