Interesting Alternative
My list is:
1 - Pool
2 - SnapNames
3 - Enom/ClubDrop
4 - GoDaddy (for .us only)
5 - A NamePros member that backorder domains for U$15. Yes, he does get some good ones, sorry I forgot his name, can update later. No later auction.
Yes, sadly most of them put your name later on auction. If you are out for competitive names there is no way to avoid the big ones, the chances are enormous that they will get it before any individual.
Is there any alternative? Yes!
A Domain Snap Program, like the one mentioned by Slipxaway advertised at JustDropped is one. However, as far as I know, that program is too basic and could be much well improved by a skilled programmer (if you are one, please let me know).
My opinion is that we Should bother because if I can snap a domain for free (after the cost of that software) instead of paying U$60 or who knows how much in an auction, sure, we Should bother. Also, those big players have thousands of domains backordered at any given time so their resources, even astonishingly superior to ours, would be spread among all those thousands of domains. So, chances are that your domain is not in their "Priority List" when they devote more resources for specific domains.
Better scenario? Use that software, preferably improved, AND use all those Backorder services above.
Your chances are that you WILL get it! Perhaps for free!
