Domain safety

[sukelis]

I've been reading these forums - trying to learn and answer my own questions. But there are some questions that I still can't get a handle on. Since they are probably newb questions, I am posting them here.

1. Has there been some change in use requirements? It's been 7-8 years since I've done anything with domains/dns professionally, but I don't remember there being a requirement to use your domain - just maintain it with two NS. But there seem to be a number of threads where not being used is instantly equated with being for sale. Is this just domainers frogetting that there are non-domainers who own domains? Or has there been some change that I missed?

2. Are there any ways that your domain CAN be taken away from you without your consent? In particular, a non-TM'd, long-held .com domain. I've seen some posts about "taking their domain" - mostly they seem like rants, but is it a real risk? If so, what do you have to do to protect your domain? (it's already on auto-renew with accurate whois)

3. Are there things that you can do that will WEAKEN your ability to keep your domain? What things should you absolutely NOT do? Again, this is a non-TM'd, long-held .com domain.

4. Finally, what does domain age and/or length of registration have to do with anything? I have seen it mentioned as a good thing, but I've no idea why.

I have a domain that I'd like to explore my options on, but I'm afraid of losing it in the process. Am I being justifiably cautious or stupidly paranoid?

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[abdussamad]

I've been reading these forums - trying to learn and answer my own questions. But there are some questions that I still can't get a handle on. Since they are probably newb questions, I am posting them here.

1. Has there been some change in use requirements? It's been 7-8 years since I've done anything with domains/dns professionally, but I don't remember there being a requirement to use your domain - just maintain it with two NS. But there seem to be a number of threads where not being used is instantly equated with being for sale. Is this just domainers frogetting that there are non-domainers who own domains? Or has there been some change that I missed?

You don't have to use your non .mobi domain. I am not sure whether you even have to set up dns settings but hopefully someone else will clarify that..

For .mobis I believe there is some development requirement.

2. Are there any ways that your domain CAN be taken away from you without your consent? In particular, a non-TM'd, long-held .com domain. I've seen some posts about "taking their domain" - mostly they seem like rants, but is it a real risk? If so, what do you have to do to protect your domain? (it's already on auto-renew with accurate whois)


3. Are there things that you can do that will WEAKEN your ability to keep your domain? What things should you absolutely NOT do? Again, this is a non-TM'd, long-held .com domain.

Some registrars (like godaddy ) tend to delete domains that are involved in spamming activities. Registryfly is notorious for stealing customer domains. Then there are domain hijackers who try to trick you into approving a transfer of the domain to them. You should lock your domain to prevent it from being hijacked. Make sure that the admin email is yours. Apart from that I can't think of any reason why your domain may be taken from you. BTW my reading on this forum tells me it isn't a good thing to rely on auto renew or expiration emails from your registrar. Keep track of domain expiry manually.

4. Finally, what does domain age and/or length of registration have to do with anything? I have seen it mentioned as a good thing, but I've no idea why.

I have a domain that I'd like to explore my options on, but I'm afraid of losing it in the process. Am I being justifiably cautious or stupidly paranoid?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Supposedly older domains are better ranked in the Search engine results pages. Its perfectly ok to tell us what domain your talking about. As long as your taking the precautions I mentioned above your domain is safe.

 

[Talkhost]

Move your domains to moniker if you have safety concerns.

 

[AzN]

Move your domains to moniker if you have safety concerns.

Agreed :p

 

[sukelis]

Thank you for your responses.

BTW my reading on this forum tells me it isn't a good thing to rely on auto renew or expiration emails from your registrar. Keep track of domain expiry manually.

Good tip, thank you. From recent postings it does seem that one cannot rely on the registrar too heavily.

Some registrars (like godaddy ) tend to delete domains that are involved in spamming activities.

It's beginning to look like GD is altogether too quick to delete domains...

Move your domains to moniker if you have safety concerns.

Already in the plans.


That dratted 60-day lock down of GD's is a concern. Does anyone know if there is anything in the GD domain display that tells you whether or not you are locked down/prohibited from transferring out? I can't find anything that says which actions will trigger a new 60-day lockdown - does anyone know what they are?