Network Solutions is domain tasting to protect customers against domain tasters? That is terrible... See also this post and comments: http://pocketseo.com/domains/7 Never search for domains or even type them into an address bar without being ready to purchase. ISPs are selling the "non-existent domain" data to companies, and there may be spyware involved also. Domain tasting is probably going to end soon though: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/30/icann_to_stamp_out_domain_tasting/ Charles Uchu Strader wrote: > Hey Hidden Techies, > > Just passing this news through as it is very relevant to anyone owning > or managing a domain name for their business or other people. I first > thought it might just be passing news, but we've already had direct > contact with a customer of ours that first checked availability at > Network Solutions and have followed up and confirmed the practice is > prevalent. > > Network Solutions has started to game the domain registration system > through a tactic that is being called "front-running". If you query for > a domain on their site, but don't purchase it, they will register it in > their Name for a period of four days. > During that period you will be unable to register the domain at any > other registrar. After that period the domain reverts back to public > availability and Network Solutions paid nothing to do so based on the > current policy that they are gaming that relates to that grace period. > > Here's an article about the situation if you want more detail. The > global domain governing body (ICANN) is investigating the situation, but > so far Network Solutions continues the practice. > > http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/19/ican_questions_network_solutions_over_front_running/