Hello, I noticed that Tucows/OpenSRS, in implementing the new transfer policy, implemented the OPTIONAL 60-day rule, i.e. writing in the transfer emails:
"Once a transfer takes place, you will not be able to transfer to another registrar for 60 days, apart from a transfer back to the original registrar....." A domain I'm buying from someone (at another registrar) is currently being held hostage because of this exact same thing. Previously, OpenSRS wasn't implementing that optional term (e.g. I was able to transfer a name to a corporate client at a new registrar 3 days days after transferring in the same domain to Tucows from a 3rd registrar). To see that it is optional, view: http://www.icann.org/transfers/policy-12jul04.htm The language in section 3.9 is "may" (not "must"). In 3.8, it is "may" too, i.e. 60 days from *initial* registration, but the VeriSign registry's policies (for .com/net) trump that "may", and the transfer will fail if you try. Anyhow, it would be nice if the 60-day policy was rethought, or reduced to another number, to minimize hassles when all parties definitely want to move the name before that time is up, for their own reasons. Unlike some registrars, OpenSRS doesn't have to worry about chargebacks, for instance, as they're paid in full from resellers, so the policy has less "justification". I'm sensitive to the "domain theft" argument, too, in slowing down the movement of names, but I've not seen thieves slowed down too much by this (other policies should deal with criminal transfers), and it creates new impediments to commerce. Sincerely, George Kirikos http://www.kirikos.com/
