On Fri, Dec 21, 2001 at 10:52:03AM -0500, Ken Joy wrote: > > Does anyone actually *like* the idea of getting access to 'dropped names', > assuming the whole channel had the access. Ross asked the question, I'd like > to see it answered.
I'm sure there are people who *like* the idea of profit no matter the method. I'm sure there are even OpenSRS RSPs who would take advantage of a SnapNames-style service if OpenSRS were to offer it. I'm frankly shocked that OpenSRS would even *consider* offering a service like this. "Getting access to 'dropped names'" sounds sleazy. NSI lost my business not because of their customer service but because of their attitudes about the industry itself, like the idea that a domain was a "thing" that should be bought or sold rather than a string of characters for which a registration fee was paid for the right to exclusive use. I switched to OpenSRS not because of the price or technology, but because OpenSRS seemed to reflect my own attitudes about how domain names should be regarded and used. The confirmation that OpenSRS is considering providing such tools kills my number one reason for sticking with (and even my contribution to the word-of-mouth promotion of) OpenSRS. The fact that a service will be used or is "wanted" by some doesn't necessarily make it appropriate to provide that service. Offering a service like this puts OpenSRS in the same category as Verisign and Register.com. Is that what you're trying to do? If so, I believe it devalues your product. In my opinion, OpenSRS is far ahead of its competition by challenging competitors' business practises for which the ethics are questionable. For OpenSRS to offer services whose existence at other registrars has in part gained OpenSRS a portion of its customer base seems to me uncharacteristically shortsighted. My $.02. p -- Paul Chvostek <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Operations / Development / Abuse / Whatever vox: +1 416 598-0000 IT Canada http://www.it.ca/
