While we'd love it if all our customers registered new domains through us, we understand that for various reasons this isn't always the case. If you have been using Network Solutions to search for new domain names, we recommend you stop doing so since they are now using your domain search data and registering the domain to themselves. This is what has become known as "domain frontrunning" and until a few days ago when Network Solutions was exposed doing this, it was thought that none of the large, reputable registrars did this.

When you search for a domain on their site they register the domain to themselves and then hold on to the domain for four days. If you want to register the domain before the four days is up you are forced to register it through them at an increased fee. If you don't, they will let the domain drop before the five day registry grace period expires. This means that it costs them nothing since they get refunded the cost of the domain by the registry. This is what is know as "domain tasting" and is usually done by domain speculators to test a domain's popularity and revenue potential--profitable domains are kept and others are dropped and the fee refunded.

While what amounts to holding a domain hostage is bad enough, an unfortunate side effect is that since the domain was registered and dropped it is almost certain that other domain tasters will re-register the domain within seconds of it dropping. So, even if you wanted to wait four days for it to drop and register it elsewhere, the likelihood of it being available when you decide to try again with another registrar is close to zero since you won't be able to beat the thousands of automated systems continually checking to see when a domain drops.

We use Tucows to register our customers' domains as well as provide the domains search feature. We've used them for over seven years because they've always been one of the few ethical domain registrars. Here some relevant information from their statement on Registrar Reputation and Trust:

Specifically on the subject of domain tasting, Adam stated that Tucows works to prevent domain name tasting by charging our Resellers a monetary fee on domain name registrations that are cancelled within the five-day Add Grace Period (AGP). In addition, Tucows does not engage in front-running. Adam is clear on this point: Tucows doesn’t use WHOIS query data or search data from our API to front-run domain names. You can trust our WHOIS and domains lookup search boxes.

Unfortunately, the domain name industry has some bad actors and it is hard for most consumers to keep track of the good guys and the bad guys. That's why it is important to use a company you can trust to register, manage, and protect your domain name.