|
that sitepoint article is old, and it only applies to most domain names registered at Network Solutions.
Network Solutions/Verisign also hoards some names instead of letting them go. They have a large collection of these; like goosebumps.com (expired in 1998). They may be holding them to push exclusively through their GreatDomains service. Or with an upcoming deal they're trying to push, with Snapnames - the WLS (Waiting List Service).
The NSI drop-time has changed since then, from 6:30am EST to 2:30pm EST.
Other registries like OpenSRS can drop at various moments throughout the day. Usually 5 days after it expires, or later.
If you have names with DomainNameSystems for instance, they will hold onto your names and try to auction them off for $80 each, $60, $40 and down to $15 each for awhile before letting them go.
Register.com has its own large collection of Unpaid names. They are affiliated with Afternic.com, also a domain auction.
DirecNic may also start holding onto their expired names longer and try to push them through their own Auction service - DomainApex.
NameZero used to give out free domains, so their collection is fairly large too now. The expired names are being hoarded instead of letting them go. They've setup ExclusiveDomainList.com to get rid of their collection at prices as low as $35 or as high as $500 each.
|